By Heather Durham | September 30, 2024
October 2024 promises to be an exciting month for stargazers in New England. Two standout events will captivate observers:
The annular solar eclipse on October 2 is the month’s celestial highlight. Though New England won’t see the full “ring of fire” effect, viewers will witness a partial eclipse as the Moon covers a portion of the Sun. The eclipse will begin around 11:30 AM EDT, reaching its maximum around 1:15 PM, and ending by 3:00 PM. Remember to use proper eye protection, such as certified solar filters or eclipse glasses.
Another notable event is the potential appearance of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS around October 12. If predictions hold, this comet may become visible to the naked eye, offering a rare opportunity to spot a cosmic visitor without telescopes. Look for it low in the western sky after sunset, where it might display a bright display.
The Orionid meteor shower, active from October 2 to November 7, will peak on the night of October 20-21. This shower, produced by debris from Halley’s Comet, typically offers about 20 meteors per hour under dark skies. The Orionids are known for their speed, often leaving persistent trains and occasional fireballs. For best viewing, find a dark location away from city lights and look towards the constellation Orion after midnight.
October 2: New Moon and annular solar eclipse. The Moon will partially obscure the Sun, creating a striking celestial display.
October 5: Moon near Venus. Look for the crescent Moon close to bright Venus in the evening sky.
October 7: Draconids meteor shower peak. This minor shower may produce a few meteors per hour after sunset.
October 12: Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS potentially visible. Keep an eye out for this comet, which may be visible without optical aids.
October 17: Full Moon (Hunter’s Moon) and supermoon. The Moon will appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
October 20-21: Orionids meteor shower peak. This reliable shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour, best viewed after midnight.
October 31: Moon near Saturn. The waning gibbous Moon will appear close to Saturn in the evening sky.
Remember, clear skies and dark locations away from city lights will enhance your viewing experience. Happy stargazing!
References:
Cooke, B. (2024). Meteor shower calendar 2024. NASA Meteoroid Environment Office.
Earthsky.org. (2024). Meteor shower guide 2024: The Draconids best around Oct 8. Retrieved from earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide/
International Meteor Organization. (2024). 2024 Meteor Shower Calendar. Retrieved from www.imo.net/members/imo_showers/calendar
Royal Museums Greenwich. (2024). Meteor shower calendar 2024. Retrieved from www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide
Space.com. (2024). Meteor showers 2024 — When is the next one? Retrieved from space.com/39469-best-meteor-showers.html
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