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Published December 6, 2023
14 min read
Sky-watchers are in for a treat next year, as an array of celestial marvels will light up the heavens in 2024. The main attractions that will captivate hundreds of millions include a total eclipse of the sun and spectacular meteor showers—and throughout the year, dazzling auroras are expected to be more common as the sun nears solar maximum. Also keep an eye out for a captivating pairings of the moon with the nearest and brightest planets, visible without any aids. And if that’s not enough, not one but two comets may grace our skies.
Here are the best sky-watching events worth circling on your calendar this year.
January 18: Jupiter and the moon dance together
The year kicks off with an eye-catching pairing of two bright neighboring worlds: the moon and Jupiter. The largest planet in the solar system will dominate the early evening sky on January 18, appearing beside a glowing half-moon. If you miss the January pairing, don’t worry, as Jupiter and the moon will meet again in the sky on February 14, March 13, and April 10 in a series of conjunctions that follow the moon’s monthly cycles around the Earth. Each pairing will be unique in its own right, with the moon presenting itself in various phases and orientations next to the Jovian giant. Train binoculars on Jupiter to spy its own retinue of four large moons lined up beside it.
April 8: A total solar eclipse crosses North America
The premier celestial event of the year will be a breathtaking total solar eclipse that will darken the skies for millions of watchers across North America as the moon completely covers the sun. The path of totality, where the entire disk of the sun is blotted out by the moon, will sweep across four states of Mexico, 15 U.S. states running from Texas to Maine, and five Canadian provinces in the eastern part of the country. Totality will grace the skies of several major cities, including Mazatlán, Austin, Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Montreal. The total phase of the eclipse hits the Pacific coast of Mexico at 11:07 a.m. Mountain time (18:07 UTC), then progresses to the northeast, reaching Texas at 12:27 p.m. Central time (18:27 UTC), Maine at 2:28 p.m. Eastern time (19:28 UTC), and finally Newfoundland at 3:58 p.m. local time (19:28 UTC). The duration of totality varies along the path, lasting up to four minutes and 28 seconds near the town of Torreón, Mexico, while most places in the center of the path will experience three-and-a-half to four minutes of darkness.
Remember, witnessing this cosmic phenomenon requires proper eye protection. Find a clear viewing spot within the path of totality, and the 2024 total eclipse of the sun promises an unforgettable experience.
April: A bright comet passes close to Earth
A giant comet, three times the size of Mount Everest,