Astronomy enthusiasts have much to look forward to in 2021, with a wide range of remarkable celestial events taking place throughout the year. This article highlights ten of these events, including total lunar and solar eclipses, the Perseids and Geminids meteor showers, two supermoons, planet conjunctions such as Mercury and Venus and Jupiter and Saturn, Mars opposition, and the Leonids meteor shower. While some of these events will occur in specific locations and during certain periods, they will be visible to many around the world, providing a rare opportunity for skywatchers to get a glimpse of the universe’s marvels.
10 Astronomical Events to Look Forward to in 2021
The year 2021 promises to be a great one for astronomy enthusiasts. There are several astronomical events to look forward to, including eclipses, meteor showers, planet alignments, and much more. In this article, we will take a look at ten of the most significant astronomical events that will happen in 2021.
1. Total Lunar Eclipse
The year 2021 will start with a total lunar eclipse that will occur on May 26. The eclipse will be visible from the Pacific Ocean, Eastern Asia, Australia, and the Western Americas. The eclipse will last for around 15 minutes, making it a great opportunity for sky watchers around the world to witness this rare celestial event.
2. Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseids meteor shower is an annual event that occurs in August. The meteor shower is known for producing a high rate of shooting stars, with as many as 60-100 meteors visible per hour. The shower will peak on August 12-13, and it will be visible from most parts of the world.
3. Annular Solar Eclipse
An annular solar eclipse will occur on June 10, visible from countries such as Canada, Greenland, and Russia. The eclipse will form a ring of fire, with the moon blocking most of the sun, leaving only a thin ring of light around the edges.
4. Supermoon
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than the average full moon. In 2021, there are two supermoons to look forward to – one on April 26, and the other on May 26.
5. Mercury and Venus conjunction
A conjunction occurs when two or more celestial bodies appear close to each other in the sky. On May 28, Mercury and Venus will appear very close to each other, creating a beautiful sight in the sky. This event will be best visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
6. Jupiter and Saturn conjunction
The “great conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn occurred in December 2020, but the two planets will still appear close to each other in 2021. On August 19, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible close to each other in the sky, forming a conjunction once again.
7. Geminids Meteor Shower
The Geminids meteor shower is another annual event that occurs in December. The meteor shower is known for being one of the most active meteor showers, producing up to 120 meteors per hour. The shower will peak on December 13-14, and it will be visible from most parts of the world.
8. Mars opposition
A Mars opposition occurs when the Earth is directly between Mars and the sun. This makes Mars appear extremely bright and visible in the night sky. In 2021, Mars opposition will occur on October 13, providing an opportunity for sky watchers to witness the red planet in all its glory.
9. Leonids Meteor Shower
The Leonids meteor shower occurs annually in November, producing around 15 meteors per hour. The shower is known for producing bright and colorful meteors, making it a favorite among sky watchers. The shower will peak on November 16-17, and it will be visible from most parts of the world.
10. Total Solar Eclipse
The year 2021 will end with a total solar eclipse that will occur on December 4. The eclipse will be visible from the Antarctic region, and it will last for around 1 minute and 54 seconds. Although it may not be visible from most parts of the world, it is still an event that sky watchers should look forward to with excitement.
Conclusion
The year 2021 promises to be an exciting one for astronomy enthusiasts with so many astronomical events to watch out for. From meteor showers to eclipses, conjunctions to supermoons, there is something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and stay tuned for these extraordinary astronomical events that will be sure to leave you in awe of the majesty of the universe.