Category: Astronomy

By Heather Durham | May 31, 2025

Dear friends and fellow stargazers!

After many wonderful years sharing the wonders of the night sky through Celestial Seasonings, it’s time for me to turn my telescope toward a new horizon. I’ll be stepping away from preparing these reports as I embark on an exciting journey: returning to school to further my studies in the sciences.

This decision wasn’t easy. Creating and sharing these reports has been a true joy—one made even more special by the curiosity, enthusiasm, and support from all of you. Together, we’ve chased meteor showers, marveled at eclipses, and watched planets dance across the sky. I’m deeply grateful for every question, comment, and moment of shared wonder.

Though I’ll miss this monthly ritual, I’m thrilled to dive deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos and explore new ways to contribute to our understanding of the universe. I hope you’ll continue looking up, finding inspiration in the stars, and sharing your discoveries with each other.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Keep your eyes on the sky – there’s always something amazing just beyond the next constellation.

Clear skies and warm regards,

Heather Durham

By Heather Durham | April 30, 2025

May 2025 in New Hampshire is shaping up to be a stellar month—literally! The sky offers a parade of naked-eye wonders, from the shimmering Eta Aquariid meteors to a classic Full Flower Moon, plus planetary shenanigans and even a chance for the Northern Lights to crash the party. Early in the month, the moon’s phases play a big role: we start with a First Quarter Moon on May 4, which means the moon will be bright and high in the evening sky, perfect for moonlit strolls but not so great for faint star spotting. As the moon waxes toward full, it’ll dominate the sky, reaching its peak on May 12 at 12:55 pm (so look for a big, bright orb rising that night). The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, one of the highlights of the season, peaks in the pre-dawn hours of May 5 and 6. While this shower is best seen from southern latitudes, patient New Englanders can still catch a few swift meteors streaking from the southeast, especially after the moon sets and before the sun rises. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Venus and Mars, which will be visible in the early morning and evening skies, respectively—Venus especially will shine like a cosmic headlight.

The major astronomical showstopper this month is the Eta Aquariid meteor shower. This annual event, courtesy of dusty debris from Halley’s Comet, is famous for its fast, bright meteors. While the shower’s radiant (the spot in the sky where meteors seem to come from) is low for us northerners, you can still expect to see a handful of meteors per hour under dark skies, especially if you’re an early riser. The best viewing is between 3:00 and 5:00 am on May 5 and 6, when the moon has set and the radiant in Aquarius is climbing higher. Find a spot with a clear view to the southeast, grab a reclining chair, and bundle up—May nights can still be brisk in New Hampshire. If you’re lucky, you might spot a few “earthgrazers”—meteors that skim the atmosphere and leave long, slow trails. And if you’re really lucky (and the sun is feeling feisty), you could catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, as Solar Cycle 25 is ramping up and auroras are expected to be more common this year. Just remember: meteor showers are like fishing—sometimes you catch a big one, sometimes you just enjoy the night air!

As the month rolls on, the moon’s light wanes, offering darker skies for deep-sky observing after the New Moon on May 26 at 11:02 pm. This is prime time for spotting the Milky Way or hunting for constellations with the naked eye. On May 24, Mercury and Uranus will have a close conjunction, though Uranus is a tough catch without binoculars; Mercury, however, will be visible low in the west just after sunset. Saturn makes its entrance into Aries on May 25, rising in the east before dawn and shining steadily—a treat for early risers. And as a cherry on top, Venus will be dazzling in the eastern sky at month’s end, outshining everything except the moon and sun. For the best views, escape city lights—try the White Mountains or a lakeside dock. And if clouds crash your party, remember: the universe will be back next month with a fresh set of spectacles.

May 2: Venus and Neptune conjunction (Venus visible before dawn in the east; Neptune not naked-eye).

May 4: First Quarter Moon at 9:51 am; bright in evening sky.

May 5–6: Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks, best 3:00–5:00 am, southeast sky, 5–10 meteors/hour.

May 12: Full Flower Moon at 12:55 pm; rises bright at sunset.

May 17: Sun conjunction Uranus (not visible to naked eye).

May 20: Sun enters Gemini.

May 24: Mercury-Uranus conjunction, Mercury visible low in west after sunset.

May 25: Saturn enters Aries, visible before dawn in east.

May 26: New Moon at 11:02 pm; darkest skies for stargazing.

May 31: Venus brilliant in the east before sunrise.

Viewing Tips:

For meteor showers, dark rural locations like the White Mountains or lakeshores are best.

For planetary alignments, low western or eastern horizons are key—bring binoculars if you want to try for Uranus, but Mercury and Venus are naked-eye bright.

For the Northern Lights, monitor the NOAA Aurora Dashboard; peak activity is possible this year. Dress warmly, bring snacks, and invite friends—stargazing is better with company and a thermos of hot chocolate.

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References:

American Meteor Society. (2025). Meteor shower calendar. Retrieved from www.amsmeteors.org

EarthSky. (2025, April 17). Eta Aquariid meteor shower: All you need to know. Retrieved from earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower/

EarthSky. (2025, April 23). Eta Aquariids. Retrieved from earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide/

Horoscopes.Astro-Seek.com. (2025). May 2025 – Monthly Astro Calendar. Retrieved from horoscopes.astro-seek.com/monthly-astro-calendar-may-2025

Outdoors.org. (2025). AMC’s 2025 Skygazing Guide, Part 1. Retrieved from www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/outdoor-resources/stars-in-our-eyes-amcs-2025-skygazing-guide-part-1/

Time and Date. (2025). Moon phases 2025 – Lunar calendar for Concord, New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/usa/concord

WOKQ. (2024, October 25). When/Where Northern Lights Will Be Visible in New England in 2025. Retrieved from wokq.com/northern-lights-maine-new-hampshire-massachuhsetts-new-england/

By Heather Durham | March 31, 2025

April 2025 promises to be a celestial playground for stargazers in New Hampshire and across New England! As winter’s grip finally loosens, our night skies offer a veritable buffet of astronomical delights.

The month begins with a celestial dance as the Moon glides near both Uranus and the beautiful Pleiades cluster on April 1st. This sets the stage for a month filled with planetary encounters, with Mars making a notable appearance near the Moon on April 5th. You’ll want to dust off those lawn chairs and prepare for some neck-craning sessions as four planets align on April 15th, creating a cosmic connect-the-dots across our evening sky.

The Full “Egg Moon” arrives on April 13th, appearing as a Micromoon due to its more distant position in orbit. This smaller-than-usual full moon might not impress with its size, but what it lacks in apparent diameter it makes up for in folklore and tradition. Early Native Americans named it the “Pink Moon” for the moss pink wildflowers blooming in spring, though I’ve yet to see this lunar disk actually turn pink (despite staying up way too late with far too much coffee hoping for a rosy moon!).

For early risers, the predawn skies offer multiple planetary conjunctions, with Mercury playing a prominent role throughout the month.

The undisputed highlight of April 2025 has to be the Lyrid meteor shower, peaking on the night of April 21-22. This medium-strength shower typically produces 10-15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, though patient observers might witness up to 18 per hour at its peak around 13:00 UTC on April 22nd. What makes this year’s show particularly promising is the cooperative Moon – a waning crescent that will only be about 40% illuminated, providing minimal interference with meteor watching.

The Lyrids radiate from the constellation Lyra (hence their name), near the bright star Vega, but can appear anywhere in the sky. These meteors are the cosmic debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which has been orbiting our Sun for thousands of years, leaving a trail of dust particles that our planet intersects each April. When these tiny bits of comet dust hit our atmosphere at speeds of about 30 miles per second, they create the bright streaks we call meteors.

For New Hampshire viewers, the best viewing will be from a dark location away from city lights after midnight, when the radiant rises higher in the eastern sky. Bundle up with blankets, bring hot chocolate, and prepare for nature’s own fireworks display – just remember that patience is key, as meteors often arrive in clusters with lulls in between.

Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation on April 21st, coinciding with the Lyrid meteor shower peak and creating a double astronomical treat. This elusive innermost planet will be at its maximum angular separation from the Sun (27.4 degrees) as viewed from Earth, making this the best Mercury viewing opportunity of 2025. For New Hampshire observers, look toward the eastern horizon about 45 minutes before sunrise.

Mercury will appear as a bright star-like object roughly 10 degrees above the horizon – that’s about the width of your fist held at arm’s length. Binoculars can help locate it initially, but once spotted, Mercury should be visible to the naked eye at a respectable magnitude of 0.3. This particular elongation is special because Mercury will be higher in the morning sky than at any other time this year. The planet’s visibility is enhanced by its position relative to the ecliptic (the Sun’s apparent path), which makes spring mornings ideal for Mercury-watching in the Northern Hemisphere. If clouds interfere on the 21st, don’t worry – Mercury remains well-positioned for several days before and after maximum elongation.

For an added challenge, try spotting Neptune extremely close to Mercury on April 17th, though you’ll need binoculars or a small telescope for the distant ice giant.

April 1: Moon near Uranus – Waning crescent Moon passes 4°40’ from Uranus in Aries, visible with binoculars in evening sky. Moon near Pleiades – 18% illuminated Moon comes within 0°36’ of the beautiful star cluster, easily visible to naked eye.

April 5: Moon near Mars – 10% illuminated crescent Moon passes within 2°07’ of reddish Mars in Gemini constellation, visible in western evening sky.

April 10: Mercury near Saturn – The two planets come within 2°06’ of each other low in the eastern pre-dawn sky, challenging but possible naked-eye target.

April 13: Full “Egg Moon” (Micromoon) – Occurs at 00:24 UTC, appearing slightly smaller than average full moons.

April 15: Four-planet alignment – Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Neptune form a line in the pre-dawn sky, with three visible to naked eye.

April 17: Mercury near Neptune – Closest planetary conjunction of 2025 (0°42’ separation), Mercury visible to naked eye but Neptune requires optical aid.

April 21-22: Mercury at greatest western elongation – Best Mercury viewing opportunity of 2025, visible in eastern pre-dawn sky at 27.4° from Sun. Lyrid meteor shower peak – Medium strength shower producing 10-18 meteors per hour, best viewed after midnight from dark locations.

April 25: Saturn near Venus – Two bright planets visible close together in pre-dawn eastern sky. Moon near Venus – Thin crescent Moon passes near brilliant Venus before sunrise. Moon near Saturn – Crescent Moon also visits Saturn in same morning sky area. Moon near Mercury – Crescent Moon completes planetary tour near Mercury.

April 27: New Moon (Super New Moon) – Occurs at 19:32 UTC, excellent time for deep-sky observation with no moonlight interference.

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References

American Meteor Society. (2025). Meteor shower calendar 2025-2026. Retrieved from www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/

EarthSky. (2024, December 30). 11 dazzling celestial events to see in 2025. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved from www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/11-dazzling-celestial-events-to-see-in-2025-from-a-total-lunar-eclipse-to-rare-planetary-alignments-180985750/

NHPR. (2025, January 1). Look up! Here’s what’s to watch for in space in 2025. Retrieved from www.nhpr.org/2025-01-01/look-up-heres-whats-to-watch-for-in-space-in-2025

PhotoPills. (2025, January 1). Astronomical events 2025: The definitive photography guide. Retrieved from www.photopills.com/articles/astronomical-events-photography-guide

Planetary Society. (2025, February 6). Calendar of space events 2025. Retrieved from www.planetary.org/articles/calendar-of-space-events-2025

Sea and Sky. (2023, April 22). Astronomy calendar of celestial events 2025. Retrieved from www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-current.html

Star Walk. (2024, December 19). Calendar of all astronomical events 2025. Retrieved from starwalk.space/en/news/astronomy-calendar-2025

By Heather Durham | February 28, 2025

March 2025 brings a celestial smorgasbord to New England skies, featuring eclipses, planetary dances, and a meteor shower — all visible without fancy equipment! Early March kicks off wit Mercury’s best evening appearance of the year, followed by a total lunar eclipse (a “Blood Moon”) that will bathe the night in rusty hues.

Mid-month offers a modest meteor shower, while late March treats early risers to a partial solar eclipse. New Hampshire’s March weather is notoriously fickle — clouds plague 73% of day historically — so cross your fingers for clear skies, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and aim for rural spots like the White Mountains or Lake Winnipesaukee’s shores to dodge light pollution.

The month’s crown jewel is the total lunar eclipse on March 13–14, a cosmic spectacle visible across all of North America. Beginning at 10:07 PM EDT on the 13th, the Moon will glide into Earth’s shadow, reaching totality by 12:14 AM EDT on the 14th. For 63 minutes, the Moon will glow coppery — red as sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere — a phenomenon astronaut call “all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth lighting up the Moon.” No special gear is needed; just step outside, face southeast, and enjoy the show. Pair this with Jupiter blazing brightly in the west and Mars rising fiery-red in the east, and you’ve got a sky worth staying up past bedtime.

A close second is the partial solar eclipse on March 29, visible at dawn across northern New England. From Nashua to Berlin, the Moon will take a “bite” out of the Sun starting at 6:30 AM EDT, peaking at 6:38 AM with 55.5% coverage. Use ISO-certified eclipse glasses (never regular sunglasses!) to safely watch the Sun morph into a crescent. Early birds can spot Venus and Saturn forming a tight duo low in the southeast 30 minutes before sunrise, adding planetary sparkle to the eclipse. Just remember: if clouds ruin the view, live streams from NASA or Time and Date offer a cozy plan B.

All times Eastern Daylight Time (EDT); directions assume an observer in central New Hampshire.

March 1–7, Dusk: Venus and Saturn shine side-by-side in the western sky after sunset, separated by 5–8 degrees. Look southwest around 7:00 PM; Venus outshines Saturn 50-fold.

March 8, 7:30 PM: Mercury at greatest eastern elongation — spot it low in the west 45 minutes post-sunset. A challenging naked-eye target; binoculars help.

March 13, 10:07 PM – March 14, 1:56 AM: Total lunar eclipse. Totality (12:14–1:17 AM) offer the best views. Mars glows red 20 degrees east of the eclipsed Moon.

March 14–16, Pre-dawn: γ-Normid meteor shower peaks. Expect 5–10 meteors/hour; face south-southeast between 3:00–5:00 AM. Moonlight interferes after 4:00 AM.

March 20, 5:01 AM: Vernal equinox — spring begins! Day and night nearly equal (12:06 vs. 11:54 hours in Concord).

March 23, Dawn: Saturn’s rings edge-on (theoretical “disappearance” — telescopes only).

March 29, 6:30–7:09 AM: Partial solar eclipse. Maximum coverage (55.5%) at 6:38 AM; use eclipse glasses. Venus and Saturn flank the eclipsed Sun.

References:

In-the-Sky.org. (2025, March 14). γ-Normid meteor shower 2025. in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20250314_10_100

Royal Museums Greenwich. (2025). Lunar eclipse viewing guide. www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/lunar-eclipse

Time and Date. (2025). March 29, 2025 partial solar eclipse in New England. www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/@5090122?iso=20250329

EarthSky. (2025, March 1). Mercury’s March 2025 elongation. earthsky.org/astronomyessentials/mercury-evening-visibility-march-2025

BBC Weather. (2025, January 1). 2025 celestial event guide. www.bbc.com/weather/articles/cy470ye4wn8o

Star Walk. (2025). Planetary alignment calendar. starwalk.space/en/news/what-is-planet-parade

By Heather Durham | January 31, 2025

February 2025 brings an extraordinary array of celestial events to New England skywatchers. As we enter the month, Venus and Saturn create a stunning twins in the western twilight sky, with Venus shining brilliantly at magnitude -4.8 while Saturn appears more modest at magnitude 1.1. The month begins with a thin crescent Moon joining Venus, Saturn, and Neptune on February 1st, creating a beautiful grouping in the twilight sky. The naked-eye view of Venus and Saturn near the delicate crescent Moon will be worth braving the winter chill. The first week offers excellent evening viewing of Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, forming an arc across the darkening sky.

The month’s headline event arrives on February 28th, when all seven planets of our solar system will be observable in a grand celestial parade. This remarkable alignment will unfold across the evening sky, with Mars appearing highest in Gemini, Jupiter gleaming in Taurus, and Venus commanding attention in Pisces. While Uranus and Neptune require optical aid, the naked eye can easily spot Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury in a sweeping arc across the heavens. This event marks one of the year’s most spectacular planetary gatherings, though observers should note that Saturn and Mercury will be challenging to spot due to their proximity to the sunset.

The Moon’s phases provide perfect opportunities for both planetary and deep-sky observation. The First Quarter Moon arrives on February 5th at 03:02, followed by the Full “Snow” Moon on February 12th at 08:53. The month’s dark sky window opens after February 20th, when the Last Quarter Moon rises late, offering prime conditions for observing the winter Milky Way. For New England observers, the real treat comes in the crystal-clear winter nights when the bright planets stand out against the backdrop of winter constellations.

Daily Event Calendar

February 1: Venus-Saturn-Crescent Moon conjunction – Beautiful grouping visible in western sky after sunset

February 5: First Quarter Moon (03:02) – Perfect evening for observing lunar features

February 9: Mars-Moon close approach – Striking pairing high in evening sky

February 12: Full Snow Moon (08:53) – Rises at sunset with excellent visibility

February 20: Last Quarter Moon (12:32) – Dark sky window begins

February 24: Mars reverses direction – Notable directional shift visible in evening sky

February 25: Saturn-Mercury conjunction – Very close approach low in western twilight

February 28: Seven-planet alignment – Grand parade of planets visible across evening sky

Best Viewing Conditions

For optimal viewing in New England during February, seek locations away from city lights, preferably at higher elevations. The best viewing times are typically between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM EST for planetary observations. Clear winter nights offer exceptional transparency, though observers should dress warmly and allow 30 minutes for dark adaptation.

References:

American Astronomical Society. (2025, January 27). Astronomical events calendar. Retrieved from In-The-Sky.org

Masi, G. (2025). Calendar of astronomical events 2025. Retrieved from The Virtual Telescope Project

McClure, B., & Byrd, D. (2025). Night sky almanac 2025. Retrieved from EarthSky Communications

Space.com. (2025, January 27). Astronomy and skywatching events for February 2025. Retrieved from Space.com

Stellarium Labs. (2025). Stellarium astronomical database (Version 2025.1) mobile application software. Retrieved from Stellarium-Labs.com

Time and Date AS. (2025). Moon phases and astronomical events calendar 2025. Retrieved from Time and Date AS

U.S. Naval Observatory. (2025). The astronomical almanac for the year 2025. Retrieved from U.S. Naval Observatory

Note: All astronomical calculations and event timings have been verified against multiple authoritative sources including In-The-Sky.org, Space.com, and the U.S. Naval Observatory databases for accuracy in the year 2025.

By Heather Durham | January 20, 2025

The night sky in January 2025 will offer an excellent opportunity to observe multiple planets, though contrary to some social media claims, they won’t form a perfect line in space. Six planets will be visible in the evening sky, with the best viewing occurring between January 21-25.

Visible Planets

Four planets will be easily visible to the naked eye:
• Venus and Saturn in the southwest
• Jupiter high overhead
• Mars in the east

Uranus and Neptune will also be present but require a telescope or high-powered binoculars for viewing.

Key Dates

January 17-18: Venus and Saturn will have a close conjunction, appearing just 2 degrees apart.

January 21: Six planets (Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn) will be visible in the evening sky after sunset.

Viewing Tips

The planets will appear along the ecliptic, which represents the plane of our solar system. This alignment isn’t unusual – planets always appear along this line because they orbit the Sun in roughly the same plane.

Looking Ahead

A rarer seven-planet alignment will occur on February 28, 2025, when Mercury joins the other six planets in the evening sky. This will be the next opportunity to see all seven planets visible from Earth simultaneously.

Best Viewing Times by Location

The optimal dates for viewing vary by location:
• New York: January 22 (152-degree sky sector)
• Tokyo: January 21 (157-degree sky sector)
• Hong Kong: January 18 (172-degree sky sector)
• Abu Dhabi: January 18 (169-degree sky sector)

Scientific Context

Despite claims on social media, planetary alignments do not cause any adverse effects on Earth. While the planets never form a perfect straight line in space due to their orbital planes, these viewing opportunities provide excellent chances to observe multiple planets simultaneously.

References:

Byrd, D. (2025). A planetary alignment on January 25, 2025? EarthSky.

NASA. (2024). What’s Up: January 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA.

Star Walk. (2025). Calendar of All Astronomical Events 2025.

Science Alert. (2025). A Rare Alignment of 7 Planets Is About to Take Place in The Sky.

Sky & Telescope. (2025). Planet Viewing Guide January 2025.

 

By Heather Durham | December 31, 2024

Stargazers, get ready for a celestial extravaganza! January 2025 is kicking off the year with a bang, offering a dazzling array of cosmic wonders visible from our cozy corner of New England. Grab your warmest coat and a thermos of hot cocoa, because you won’t want to miss these spectacular sights!

As we bid farewell to the holiday season, the night sky has a few post-Christmas presents in store for us. The month begins with a celestial fireworks show, courtesy of the Quadrantid meteor shower. On January 2-3, bundle up and head outside after midnight for a chance to witness up to 110 meteors per hour streaking across the sky! With a cooperative waxing crescent moon setting early, we’ll have deliciously dark skies perfect for spotting these cosmic speedsters. Find a cozy spot away from city lights, perhaps in the White Mountains or along the seacoast, and prepare to be awestruck as these celestial embers paint the heavens.

But wait, there’s more! The Red Planet is about to steal the show this month. On January 16, Mars reaches opposition, becoming the brightest crimson jewel in our night sky. This is Mars’ time to shine – literally! It’ll be visible all night long, beckoning to us from the eastern horizon like a cosmic lighthouse. Break out your binoculars or telescope to catch a glimpse of its rusty surface features, or simply marvel at its brilliance with the naked eye. It’s not every day we get such a close-up view of our planetary neighbor, so don’t let this opportunity slip by!

As if that weren’t enough, the cosmos has another treat in store for us. Mark your calendars for January 21, because we’re in for a rare planetary parade! Six planets will line up in a celestial conga line, visible to the naked eye. This cosmic alignment is like nature’s own connect-the-dots, stretching across the pre-dawn sky. Set your alarm clock early, find a spot with a clear view of the horizon, and watch as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus dance across the heavens and continue for about 4 weeks. It’s a reminder of just how vast and beautiful our solar system truly is.

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the month’s celestial highlights, tailor-made for New England viewing:

January 2-3: Quadrantid meteor shower peak. Bundle up and head out after midnight for the best show!

January 4: Earth at perihelion. We’re as close to the Sun as we’ll get all year. Don’t worry, you won’t feel the heat!

January 6: First Quarter Moon. Perfect for some early evening lunar gazing.

January 13: Full Wolf Moon. Watch it rise over the Atlantic for a breathtaking view.

January 16: Mars at opposition. The Red Planet shines its brightest. Look east all night long!

January 18: Venus and Saturn close approach. A celestial meet-cute in the early evening sky.

January 21: Six-planet alignment visible. Set your alarm for a pre-dawn planetary parade.

January 29: New Moon. Dark skies perfect for deep-sky object hunting.

Remember, the crisp winter air often brings excellent visibility, but be sure to dress warmly and bring a hot beverage to keep you cozy during your stargazing adventures. Happy skywatching!

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References:

Astronomical Applications Department of the U.S. Naval Observatory. (2024). Multiyear Interactive Computer Almanac (MICA). Retrieved from aa.usno.navy.mil/software/mica

International Meteor Organization. (2024). 2025 Meteor Shower Calendar. Retrieved from www.imo.net

Old Farmer’s Almanac. (2024). Night Sky Planner. Retrieved from www.almanac.com/astronomy/night-sky-planner

Sky & Telescope. (2024). This Week’s Sky at a Glance. Retrieved from skyandtelescope.org/observing/sky-at-a-glance/

Stellarium Web Online Star Map. (2024). Planets Tonight. Retrieved from stellarium-web.org/

By Heather Durham | November 30, 2024

December 2024 brings us a grand finale to our astronomical year, packed with meteor showers, planetary dances, and seasonal wonders!

An interesting phenomenon will occur this month-there will be two new moons, the last one is referred to as the Black moon. The moon has a cycle of 29.5 days. The last time this happened was September 30, 2016.

December 1: New Moon bathes us in perfect darkness for stargazing tonight. Bundle up in your warmest clothes and head outside to spot the winter constellations emerging. The Pleiades star cluster (Seven Sisters) shines particularly bright – can you count how many stars you see?

December 5: The φ-Cassiopeid meteor shower graces our skies. Though modest, these meteors offer a wonderful opportunity to practice your shooting star spotting skills. Perfect timing with the dark skies following the New Moon!

December 6-7: Jupiter steals the show, reaching both perigee and opposition. Watch as the giant planet rises in the east at sunset, appearing larger and brighter than any other time this year. Mars begins its retrograde motion – a perfect time to discuss planetary movements with curious minds.

December 8: A celestial triple feature! Moon reaches First Quarter while approaching Saturn. The Monocerotid meteor shower adds extra sparkle to this already magical night. Use the Moon’s position to help young astronomers locate Saturn in the evening sky.

December 11: The σ-Hydrid meteor shower peaks under favorable skies. These meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Hydra. Make a game of tracing their paths back to their origin point!

December 13-14: The magnificent Geminid meteor shower peaks, with the Moon visiting the Pleiades! Despite some moonlight, expect up to 120 multi-colored meteors per hour. Jupiter joins the party with a close approach to the Moon – what a night for sky-watching!

December 15: The Full Cold Moon illuminates our winter landscape. The Comae Berenicid meteor shower begins its annual display. Take a moonlit walk and notice how the bright moonlight creates beautiful shadows on the snow.

December 18-19: Mercury reaches its highest morning altitude as the Moon meets Mars. The December Leonis Minorid meteor shower adds to the pre-dawn display. Early risers will be rewarded with this beautiful celestial choreography.

December 20-21: Mercury reaches dichotomy (half-phase) just before Winter Solstice. The shortest day of the year marks a turning point in our annual cycle. After today, we begin gaining precious minutes of sunlight again!

December 22: The Ursid meteor shower coincides with the Last Quarter Moon. Look northward after midnight for best viewing of these winter “shooting stars.” The half-lit Moon provides decent viewing conditions.

December 25: Mercury reaches greatest western elongation – a cosmic Christmas gift! Look for the elusive planet low in the southeastern pre-dawn sky. The best morning viewing opportunity of the year for Mercury.

December 30: A rare Black Moon (second New Moon of month) closes our astronomical year. This special event gives us another chance for pristine dark-sky viewing. What a perfect way to end our celestial journey through 2024!

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References:

American Meteor Organization. (2024). Meteor shower calendar 2024. The Week. Retrieved from theweek.com/space/1023749/

Milwaukee Public Museum. (2024). Sky and space calendar 2024. Retrieved from www.mpm.edu/skyspacecalendar

NASA. (2024). The next full Moon will be the last of four consecutive supermoons. Retrieved from science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/

Sea and Sky. (2024). Astronomy calendar of celestial events 2024. Retrieved from www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2024.html

Space.com. (2024). Night sky, December 2024: What you can see this month cited in The Week.

By Heather Durham | October 31, 2024

November 2024 presents an extraordinary month for astronomical enthusiasts in New England, with several remarkable celestial events visible to the naked eye. The month begins with the New Moon on November 1, creating perfect dark sky conditions for stargazing across New England. This darkness will prove particularly valuable for observing deep sky objects and fainter stars typically washed out by moonlight. The New Moon phase occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from our perspective but providing the darkest possible night skies. This timing is particularly fortuitous for New England observers, as November typically offers clearer atmospheric conditions than the humid summer months.

The month’s crowning achievement arrives on November 17 when Uranus reaches opposition, marking its closest approach to Earth and brightest appearance of the year. During this event, Uranus will rise as the Sun sets and remain visible throughout the night, reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight. From New England’s vantage point, observers can find Uranus in the constellation Aries, appearing as a distinct blue green dot visible to the naked eye under dark skies, though binoculars or a small telescope will greatly enhance the viewing experience. This opposition is particularly favorable as it occurs during a time when Uranus reaches its highest point in the night sky in over a decade for Northern hemisphere observers.

The Leonids meteor shower peaks on November 17-18, coinciding with Uranus at opposition. While not as spectacular as some historical displays, the 2024 Leonids are expected to produce up to 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The radiant point, located in the constellation Leo, rises in the late evening hours and climbs higher throughout the night, making the pre dawn hours the best time for observation. The nearly full moon will unfortunately wash out fainter meteors, but patient observers should still catch several bright streaks across the sky.

November 1: New Moon provides excellent dark sky viewing conditions across New England

November 4-5: Northern Taurids meteor shower peaks, producing 5 10 slow moving meteors per hour

November 15: Full Beaver Moon reaches peak illumination, final Supermoon of 2024

November 16: Mercury achieves greatest eastern elongation, visible low in western sky after sunset

November 17: Uranus reaches opposition, offering best viewing conditions of 2024

November 17-18: Leonids meteor shower peaks despite challenging lunar conditions

November 23: Last Quarter Moon provides good morning viewing conditions

November 30: New Moon returns, offering another opportunity for dark sky observation

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References:

American Meteor Society. (2024). Meteor shower calendar 2024. Retrieved from www.amsmeteors.org

In The Sky. (2024). Astronomy calendar November 2024. Retrieved from in-the-sky.org/newscal.php?month=11&year=2024

Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. (2024). Observer’s handbook 2024. Toronto: Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Space.com. (2024). Night sky, November 2024: What you can see this month. Retrieved from www.space.com

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!

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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