Stargazing Calendar Lander 2021: Eclipses, meteor showers and astronomical events this year

Break the telescope and pull your throat, because the second year of stargazing is upon us.

The combination of two lunar eclipses, a good summer meteor shower and nearby planets illuminates the 2021 stargazing calendar, which would otherwise be relatively quiet.

Lacking major events such as the historic historic Great Lunar in late 2020 or the upcoming total lunar eclipse in 2024, the astronomical calendar lander still has to provide the same for amateur and experienced stargazers alike.

The biggest event in 2021 will be the Supermoon Total Lunar Eclipse, which will appear over the Pacific Northwest in the early hours of May 26. The moon will not only appear larger in the sky, but will turn a red shade like the earth. The shadow passes over it.

It also promises to be a good year for the Persid meteor shower in August, which will connect with the new moon created in the dark in the sky to see a good performance. The fountain will arrive on the 12th and 13th of August, a beautiful time of year in the Northwest.

And while there’s no big combination to look forward to this year, there will be a close connection between Mars and Venus on July 13th, which is a great excuse to break the telescope under the clear summer sky.

Here’s what to look out for when looking at the night sky in 2021:

Jaan. 2-3- 2-3

Quadrilateral Meteor Shower

Early winter meteor showers will not provide much show to those living in the Pacific Northwest. Aside from the possible cloud cover, during the peak of a meteor shower, the Datta Gibbous moon will make it difficult to see meteors, which will be about 25 per hour under a dark sky. It is possible to see a closer look at the end of the fountain on January 12th.

April 23-24

Lirid meteor shower

For the peak of the Lairds meteor shower this year, conditions won’t be the best, with a waxing gibbous moon shining brightly in the sky. Although lirids are known for their fast and bright meteors, they are usually only about 20 per hour. Some will appear around the beginning of the meteor shower on April 14th.

April 27

Supermoon

“Supermoon” is a term used for a full moon that is closer to Earth’s approach, appearing larger and brighter than usual. April’s Supermoon will be the first of the two in 2021 (the third on June 24 is also considered close enough for some to consider it “super”).

May 6-7

Eta Acquired Meteor Shower

Best viewed from a southern tropical point of view, Eta Aquarius typically produces 10 to 30 meteors per hour at their peak for people living in the Northern Hemisphere. A crescent moon will allow darker skies during the peak of meteor showers this year.

May 26

Supermoon total lunar eclipse

The most beautiful astronomical event of the year will be a total lunar eclipse that overlaps with the second “supermoon” of the year. Search for the full moon to turn red as the Earth’s shadow falls around it.

June 10

Angular solar eclipse

This is not a total solar eclipse and will not be visible from the Pacific Northwest, but a circular solar eclipse – where a small moon obstructs only part of the sun, creating a “ring of fire” effect – will be visible in northeastern U.S. And part of the Midwest.

July 13

The union of Mars and Venus

Summertime stargazers will be able to fit both Mars and Venus into a single telescope view, as they will appear closer to each other during the union of the two planets. With a thin crescent moon and clear summer skies, it should be an excellent occasion for stargazing in the Pacific Northwest.

July 28-29

Delta Acquired Meteor Shower

Like Eta Aquarius, Delta Aquarius is best seen in the Southern Hemisphere, producing a small fountain in the north. An invisible gibbous moon at their peak will sink potentially short meteors.

Alpha Capricorn Meteor Shower

Around two nights just like the Delta Aquarius, Alpha C Cap Crinids will be a more obscure fountain, thanks to the bright Gibbous Moon. Typically, this fountain is known for its bright fireballs and appears evenly on both sides of the equator.

A.G. 12-13

Persid meteor shower

One of the best meteor showers of the year, with the new moon just days before the peak of the Perseids shower, promises to be a good show this year. Under dark skies, persids are usually numbered 50 to 75 per hour. Clear summer skies and warm temperatures make it a reliably good event.

A.G. 22

Blue Moon (seasonal)

We think of the “blue moon” as the second full moon in the same calendar lender month, but the term is also used for an extra full moon in the same season. In confusion, it is Third A full moon in season, not an extra quarter, is considered a blue moon. This year the blue moon will come in the last third of summer.

OCT. 19-20

Orionid meteor shower

Orionids typically produce 10 to 20 meteors per hour, although the number can increase to 75 in good years. This year doesn’t look promising, as the full moon will drown out most of the performance.

NOV. 16-17

Leonid Meteor Shower

The Leonids comet 55p / Temple-Tuttle debris, most recently known for its phenomenal spread of activity in 2001. There will be no major Leonid events until 2099 and no good rains around 2030, although showers still produce. About 15 meteor peaks per hour. The peak of this year will be sunk by an almost full moon.

NOV. 19

Partial lunar eclipse

While technically not a total lunar eclipse, this partial eclipse will cover the Earth’s shadow covering the full 97% of the Moon. On this occasion, the entire U.S. Will be visible, will wake up in the morning and reach its maximum eclipse. The moon will be closer to its farthest point from the earth, so it will appear a little smaller in the sky.

DEC. 13-14

Geminid Meteor Shower

The strongest meteor shower of the year comes in the last days of fall, with 120 meteor peaks per hour. The Pacific Northwest is generally a poor place to see Gemini due to the reliable cloudy skies and this year’s peak is blocked by more waxing gibbous moons. Stargazers who want to see the fountain are welcome. Should go out the first few hours, or hope to be lucky in the early days of the fountain, which will be active from 4 to 20 December.

DEC. 21-22

Ursid meteor shower

Influenced by the Geminids and the holiday season, the Ursid meteor shower is accompanied by about five to 10 meteor activity throughout the year, lasting from December 17 to 26. Observers will be able to see the meteors late in the morning on the peak days of December 21 and 22, although the almost full moon spoils your chances.

– Jamie Hale; [email protected]; 503-294-4077; Hallejamsby