The year 2023 is set to be an exciting one for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts, with a host of celestial events scheduled throughout the year. Because I live rurally I get to see the stars on plenty o nights and see the formations pending where we are in the year, I decided to pay a bit more attention this year.
There are several events to look forward to in the coming months – here’s a list of some of the celestial events that will occur in 2023:
- Quadrantids Meteor Shower (January 3-4)
The Quadrantids meteor shower is an annual event that occurs in early January, and it is one of the most active meteor showers of the year. It is caused by the debris left behind by the asteroid 2003 EH1, and it can produce up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak.
- Total Lunar Eclipse (May 16-17)
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface. The lunar eclipse in May 2023 will be visible from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, and it will be the only total lunar eclipse of the year.
- Perseids Meteor Shower (August 12-13)
The Perseids meteor shower is one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, and it occurs every August. It is caused by the debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle, and it can produce up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.
- Annular Solar Eclipse (November 10)
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, but the Moon is not close enough to the Earth to completely block the Sun’s disk. The annular solar eclipse in November 2023 will be visible from parts of North and South America, Europe, and Africa.
- Geminids Meteor Shower (December 13-14)
The Geminids meteor shower is the final meteor shower of the year, and it occurs every December. It is caused by the debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, and it can produce up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak.
In addition to these events, there will also be several planetary alignments and conjunctions throughout the year. For example, Mars and Jupiter will be in conjunction in August, and Jupiter and Saturn will be in conjunction in November.
If you want to make the most of these celestial events, you will need to plan ahead. Check the dates and times of each event, and find a good viewing location. It’s also a good idea to invest in a telescope or binoculars to get a closer look at these amazing phenomena.
In conclusion, the celestial event calendar in 2023 promises to be a thrilling one for astronomy enthusiasts. Whether you are interested in meteor showers, eclipses, or planetary alignments, there will be plenty to see and explore in the night sky. So mark your calendars and get ready for a year of astronomical wonders!