Jakarta –
Sky watchers will be in for a surprise this year. A series of miracles nature phenomenon will light up the night sky and you can see it.
The main shows that will captivate hundreds of millions of people include Total Solar Eclipse and meteor Rain which is spectacular. In countries further from the equator, dazzling auroras are expected to be seen more frequently as the Sun approaches its solar maximum.
The following are important dates for spectacular astronomical phenomena that are worth marking on your calendar this year, as quoted from National Geographic.
January 18 – Jupiter and the Moon ‘Dance’ Together
Early 2024 will begin with the fusion of two bright celestial objects, the Moon and Jupiter. The largest planet in the Solar System will dominate the evening sky on January 18, appearing next to a shining crescent Moon.
If you missed it in January, don’t worry, because Jupiter and the Moon will meet again in the sky on February 14, March 13 and April 10 in a series of conjunctions that follow the Moon’s monthly cycle around Earth.
Each display will be unique in its own right, with the Moon presenting itself in various phases and orientations alongside the giant planet. Astronomy lovers need to train their binoculars to aim at Jupiter if they want to get a view of the four large moons lined up alongside it.
April 8 – Total Solar Eclipse
The major celestial event of the year is a stunning total solar eclipse that will darken the skies for millions of observers across North America as the Moon completely covers the Sun.
The total path when the entire disk of the Sun is covered by the Moon, will cross four Mexican states, 15 US states stretching from Texas to Maine, and five Canadian provinces in the eastern part of the country.
The duration of totality varies along the path, lasting up to four minutes and 28 seconds near the Mexican city of Torreón, while most places in the middle of the path will experience darkness for three and a half to four minutes.
Because Indonesia cannot watch it, Indonesian astronomy fans can watch it via live streaming on the NASA website and a number of sites that review astronomy.
April – Bright Comet Passes Near Earth
A giant comet three times the size of Mount Everest, named 12P/Pons-Brooks is rapidly moving towards the inner part of the Solar System.
The cryovolcanic comet, which consists mostly of ice, dust and gas, experienced several explosions in 2023, and surprised astronomers with its rapid increase in brightness. In March, as the comet gets closer to the Sun, it is expected to accelerate due to the increasing gravitational pull of our star.
In April, it can even be seen with the naked eye just after the Sun sets in the western sky. It is estimated that on April 12, the comet will appear to swing near brilliant Jupiter, making it easier to track.
Nine days later, on April 21, comet Pons-Brooks will reach its closest point to the Sun and possibly reach peak brightness making it one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse of it.
The comet will also be visible during the April 8 total solar eclipse. If the comet appears close to the eclipsed Sun, and could potentially be seen with binoculars or even the naked eye, it would be a rare duet of celestial sightings.
May 4 – Peak of the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Shooting star fans will definitely not want to miss the Eta Aquarid meteor shower in 2024, as sky conditions promise to be ideal for the peak of the meteor shower.
The best views of this phenomenon are expected to occur in the early hours of May 4, when the waning crescent moon will not rise until dawn, meaning dark skies will allow stargazers to catch a glimpse of even the faintest shooting stars.
The rain shower will be near the southeastern horizon in the rain constellation, Aquarius. Because of this location, the sky show will be more clearly visible to observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Next: Perseid Peak to Venus and the Conjunctive Crescent Moon
(rns/agt)
2024-01-06 15:00:41
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