9 Astronomical Phenomena of 2023, from Meteor Showers to Eclipses

KOMPAS.com – A number of astronomical phenomena and other extraordinary celestial events will occur throughout 2023.

These include the two most anticipated meteor showers: the Perseids and the Geminids. There will also be two total lunar eclipses and a spectacular “ring of fire” solar eclipse.

In full, here is a list of the ten biggest celestial events in 2023.

10 astronomical events throughout 2023

Compiled from several sources, here are at least 10 amazing astronomical events throughout 2023:

1. Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus: March 1, 2023

In astronomy, conjunction occurs when a planet appears close to the moon, other planets, or stars.

Conjunctions occur quite frequently and have no direct astronomical impact on Earth, but are beautiful to look at according to NASA.

During the first few months of the year, the two brightest planets will begin to meet in the southwestern sky, and on March 1, 2023, they will reach their closest point to each other.

To witness this phenomenon, no special tools are needed and you can see both planets with the naked eye. To do this, look west-southwest at dusk to see the two planets together.

2. Lyrid meteor shower: April 15 to April 29, 2023

Quoted from SmithsonianMagazinemeteor showers occur when the Earth passes through debris left behind from comets and asteroids, which is why meteor showers occur at about the same time each year.

Lyrids originate from comet Thatcher, which orbits the sun every 415 years. This is one of the oldest recorded rains, with observations dating back to 687 BC, writes Daisy Dobrijevic for Space.com.

This year’s Lyrid meteor shower will peak on the night of April 22, 2023.

Observers can typically see about 18 meteors per hour in a clear, dark sky, although on very rare occasions Lyrids can surprise viewers with as many as 100 meteors an hour.

For the best stargazing, find a dark area between moonset and sunrise. Lie on your back with your feet facing east and look up at the sky, advises NASA.

3. Eta Aquarid meteor shower: April 15-May 27, 2023

The Eta Aquarid meteor can travel at about 148,000 miles per hour into Earth’s atmosphere, according to NASA.

This meteor comes from Halley’s comet, which completes an orbit around the sun once every 76 years. This comet also produces the Orionid meteor shower which occurs in October.

Halley was last seen by casual observers in 1986 and is projected to appear again in 2061.

This year’s Eta Aquarids will peak on the night of May 5 to May 6, 2023. This meteor is best seen in the Southern Hemisphere, but can also be seen north of the equator at a typical speed of around 10 to 30 per hour under good conditions.

Try looking up in the pre-dawn hours on or around the summit.

4. Perseid meteor shower: July 14-September 1, 2023

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best of the year. Bright, often long-tailed meteors will light up the sky at about 50 to 100 per hour.

Last year’s Perseids coincided with a full moon, making some of the shooting stars difficult to see. This year, however, the rains will reach a spectacular peak two days before the new moon on August 11 and 12, 2023.

For the best viewing experience, the Royal Museums Greenwich recommends going to a dark location and allowing 15 minutes to adjust your eyes.

5. Super Blue Moon: 31 Agustus 2023

The sky on the night of August 31, 2023 will notice the full moon appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.

That’s because the moon will be closest in its elliptical orbit to Earth, making it a supermoon.

Four supermoons will appear in succession this year, namely on July 3, August 1, August 31 and September 29 2023.

Since August will see two full moons, the second is considered a blue moon. Blue moons occur every 2.5 years, and the last will be in August 2021.