Eclipses, meteor showers and alignments: The astronomy events you won't want to miss in 2024
Last edited Fri Dec 29, 2023, 08:01 PM - Edit history (1)
https://www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/eclipses-meteor-showers-and-alignments-the-astronomy-events-you-wont-want-to-miss-in-2024/1604982
By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer
Published Dec 29, 2023 6:09 AM PST | Updated Dec 29, 2023 6:09 AM PST
The year is jam-packed with captivating astronomical sights including a rare "Super Harvest Moon Eclipse," but one spectacle will leave millions speechless -- and won't be seen from the United States for another 20 years.
The new year brings a fresh slate of exciting astronomical events in the night sky, and one that will take place in the middle of the day that, for many, will be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
From planetary alignments to a "Super Harvest Moon Eclipse," here are the top astronomy events to mark on your 2024 calendar:
March 25: Penumbral lunar eclipse
Less than a week after the spring equinox, which takes place on March 19 at 11:06 p.m. EDT, stargazers will be able to see the year's first eclipse.
A penumbral lunar eclipse will unfold before daybreak on Monday, March 25, and will be visible across North America South America, western Europe, western Africa, Japan, New Zealand and part of Australia.
This type of eclipse can be underwhelming and difficult to notice as the moon only passes through Earth's outer shadow, known as the penumbra, which is not nearly as dark as its inner shadow, the umbra. However, it will be the precursor to a jaw-dropping spectacle that will unfold just two weeks later.
April 8: Total solar eclipse
Millions of people will travel from around the world to see the top astronomy event of 2024, and for North America, it will arguably be the best astronomy event of the decade.
For a few moments on Monday, April 8, the moon will completely block out the sun to create a stunning total solar eclipse, the first for North America since 2017. It will only be visible along a narrow path from Texas to Maine and portions of Mexico and Atlantic Canada.
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