These are the 9 most important astronomical phenomena we will see in 2024

from Eclipse Amazing rain From meteoritesAnd heaven won't leave us alone either 2024. That's for sure.

In particular, the most important celestial phenomena to light up the New Year's sky include total solar eclipses and stunning meteor showers – and throughout the year, while scientists estimate that the dazzling northern lights will become more frequent as the Sun approaches solar maximum.

National Geographic magazine summarized 9 impressive celestial phenomena that we will see in 2024:

The 9 celestial phenomena

January 18: Jupiter and the Moon dance together

The year begins with one The pairing is impressive Two bright neighboring worlds: the Moon and Jupiter. The largest planet in the solar system will dominate the evening sky on January 18, next to a bright crescent moon. If you missed the January conjunction, don't worry, as Jupiter and the Moon will meet again in the sky February 14March 13 and April 10 in a series of sessions that follow the Moon's monthly cycles around the Earth. Each conjunction will be unique, with the Moon appearing in different phases and directions next to Jupiter.

April 8: A total solar eclipse crosses North America

The major celestial phenomenon of the year will be a stunning total solar eclipse that will darken the skies across North America as the Moon completely covers the Sun. The path of the total eclipse, where the Sun's disk completely disappears from the Moon, will be visible in four states in Mexico. 15 US states extending from Texas to Maine and five provinces in the eastern part of Canada.

The duration of the phenomenon will vary along the path, as it will last for up to four minutes and 28 seconds near the city of Torreon, Mexico, while in most places in the middle of the path it will last from three and a half to four minutes.

April: A comet will pass near Earth

A giant comet three times its size Everst topIt is called 12P/Pons-Brooks, and it heads towards the interior of the solar system. the Cold volcanic cometThe planet, which consists mostly of ice, dust and gas, experienced multiple explosions in 2023 and surprised astronomers with the rapid increase in its brightness. In March, as the comet approaches the Sun, its speed is expected to accelerate due to the increased gravity of our star. By April it may be visible to the naked eye just after sunset. Look for it in the sky on April 12, when the comet will appear to pass in front of bright Jupiter, making it more visible. Nine days Later on April 21, the comet will reach its closest point to the sun and may become brighter.

During the total solar eclipse on April 8, the comet will likely be visible with binoculars or even the naked eye, providing an unforgettable view. Heavenly scene!

May 4: The Eta Aquarid meteor shower reaches its peak

the A shower of stars The meteors, which originate from the tail of Halley's Comet and are called Eta Aquarius, will peak in the morning hours of May 4, when the waning crescent will rise just before dawn, meaning particularly dark skies that will allow astronomers to see even the faintest decaying stars. Rain Radiance – Where the singles seem to come from Meteora– It will be located near the southeastern horizon in the constellation Aquarius. This phenomenon will be better visible in the Southern Hemisphere.

Choose a place far away from Light pollution Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. In the southern hemisphere we can have 20 to 30 meteors per hour, while in the north 10 to 20 meteors per hour in the morning hours. From May 4th.

August 12 and 13: Peak of the Perseids

In mid-August every year, Earth travels through a cloud of debris ejected by Comet Swift-TuttleThis creates a storm of meteors in the sky while smaller meteors burn up in the atmosphere. This is the Perseid meteor shower and can produce up to 60 meteors per hour in a typical year. 2024 will be a particularly good year for Perseids, as its peak will coincide with a dark, moonless sky. The moon will set around midnight, providing excellent viewing conditions later at night and into the early morning hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, the shower will be more noticeable as meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, which will be better visible in southern latitudes.

September and October: C/2023 A3 (Tsouchenshan-Atlas)

the Comet A3 Tuchinshan-ATLAS, which was observed for the first time February 2023 It is expected to provide a stunning sight in late 2024. By early summer, it will be visible at night with a telescope. As September approaches, its orbit will bring it close to the Sun and Earth for the first time in 80,000 years. Astronomers expect it to be bright and maybe Visible Binoculars or even with the naked eye in the eastern sky before sunrise in southern latitudes.

If the comet survives its journey around the sun, the best time for observers across the Northern Hemisphere will begin around the same time October 12. As it rises higher in the sky each night, the comet will become progressively clearer. Predicting a comet's behavior is difficult, but already, Tuchinshan-ATLAS is still far from its closest approach to Earth. It indicates that he will be an impressive heavenly visitor.

September 17: The ring planet Saturn joins the Moon

Another of them Four months of the year They will provide an excellent celestial sequence AlignmentThe Moon and Saturn meet once a month, starting on September 17. This amazing scene will be repeated on October 14 and 15, November 11 and December 8. Both Bright planets They will be visible just after sunset and the gap between them will be ideal for low-magnification binoculars. It will be easy to observe both celestial bodies together, although they will not be close enough to be seen with a telescope. The contrasting colors will also make the pair eye-catching, with the moon's silver glow alongside the distinctive yellow of Saturn..

October 2: A ring of fire in the sky

That's in western Hemisphere They will have the opportunity to enjoy the second solar eclipse of 2024. The path of the Ring of Fire, or annular eclipse, will mainly cross the Pacific Ocean, limiting visibility from some locations.

the First note The annual eclipse will occur on picturesque Easter Island at 14:07 (local time) and will last for 6 minutes and 23 seconds. When the Moon is aligned between the Earth and the Sun, it leaves a bright, glowing ring-like outline. This phenomenon occurs when the moon is far from the Earth than during a total solar eclipse, and thus appear smaller in the sky.

The eclipse will be visible in parts southern Chilean It will move quickly over the Andes Mountains towards Argentina. Meanwhile, there will be a partial solar eclipse over much of southern South America.

December: Didimides meteor shower and northern lights

The year will conclude with the stunning spectacle of the Geminid meteor shower in December. The northern lights are also expected to become more frequent and visible – especially around From the equinoxes – due to increased solar activity.