Exciting Astronomical Events to Look Forward to in 2024

A new year has arrived, and the sky in 2024 holds various phenomena waiting for astronomy enthusiasts, such as meteor showers, Mercury reaching its greatest elongation, and Saturn reaching opposition…

Mr. Đặng Vũ Tuấn Sơn, Chairman of the Vietnam Astronomical and Cosmological Association (VACA), stated that although sky lovers in Vietnam will not have the opportunity to observe prominent phenomena like solar eclipses or lunar eclipses in 2024, the following events are sure to capture your interest.

January 3-4: Quadrantids Meteor Shower

This is an above-average meteor shower caused by debris from comet 2003 EH1, which was discovered in 2003, although the phenomenon has been observed for many years prior. It is named after the ancient constellation Quadrans Muralis; today, the central area of this constellation belongs to Boötes.

A spectacular meteor shower is an outstanding astronomical event to look forward to in 2024.

The ideal time to observe this phenomenon is in the early hours of January 4. This year, the Moon will significantly hinder your observation. However, if the sky is clear, with low light pollution and a bit of patience, you may still catch some notable streaks of light during this New Year event.

January 12: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West

The smallest and nearest planet to the Sun will be positioned farthest from the Sun as viewed from Earth, making it easier to observe due to less glare from the Sun. In the early morning, you will find it fairly low in the eastern sky before sunrise.

March 24: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East

Due to its short orbital period, Mercury quickly moves to the other side of the Sun from our perspective. At this time, you will see it in the evening low in the western sky as the Sun begins to set.

April 22-23: Lyrids Meteor Shower

This average meteor shower is caused by debris from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. It typically allows for over 20 meteors per hour at its peak. This year, the Moon will significantly obstruct this observation. Only in areas with ideal conditions will you be able to see some of its meteors. Therefore, urban areas or places with other light pollution should not be where you set high expectations.

May 6-7: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower

This is an average meteor shower occurring in the constellation Aquarius. In 2024, the peak of the event will occur when the Moon will not obstruct your view. On the night of May 6 to the early morning of May 7, look for the constellation Aquarius; with a sky that is not too polluted and few clouds, you will be able to observe this phenomenon.

May 9: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West

June 22: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East

July 28-29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower

This average (or minor) meteor shower typically occurs from mid-July to well past mid-August each year. However, it is only truly noteworthy at its peak on the night of July 28 to the early morning of July 29. The center of this phenomenon is the constellation Aquarius. Delta Aquarids this year will be significantly hindered by the Moon, so it may not be a noteworthy event for astronomy enthusiasts.

August 12-13: Perseids Meteor Shower

Caused by the debris of comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are one of the most notable meteor showers each year. It occurs from mid-July to the end of August, with its peak on the night of August 12 to the early morning of August 13. The Moon will pose some difficulty during this peak night. However, if the sky is clear enough, you will still see many bright meteors, making this a notable event in 2024. This phenomenon is centered in the constellation Perseus. Under ideal observing conditions, the Perseids can produce between 60 to 100 meteors per hour during the peak night.

August 19: Blue Moon

In reality, this is not an astronomical phenomenon, and the Moon never actually appears blue. According to cultural practices in some Western regions, this full moon is referred to as a Blue Moon because the summer of 2024 (from the summer solstice to the autumn equinox) will have four full moons, and this is the third one. In other words, this is a cultural event, not a natural phenomenon.

Blue Moon is a cultural event.

September 5: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West

September 8: Saturn at Opposition

This is the most notable time of the year to observe this planet. Saturn will be directly opposite the Sun through Earth, making it relatively close to Earth compared to other points in its orbit, with the illuminated part facing Earth the most. For those with telescopes, this will be the best chance of the year to observe this planet and its stunning rings.

September 20: Neptune at Opposition

The farthest planet in our Solar System known to date will reach opposition on the evening of September 20. Of course, this planet cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, with a telescope, locating and identifying it in the sky will be an interesting task.

October 7: Draconids Meteor Shower

This is a minor meteor shower with a density of less than 10 meteors per hour. Its center is the constellation Draco. Unlike other meteor showers, the best time to observe the Draconids is not in the early morning but in the evening, when you can see the constellation Draco in the northern sky. The Moon will not significantly obstruct the first half of the evening, so despite being a minor meteor shower, the Draconids may still show you some bright meteors if the weather is favorable.

October 21-22: Orionids Meteor Shower

The Orionids are always considered a notable meteor shower each year. Its center is the constellation Orion—a constellation so recognizable that almost anyone can find it in clear skies thanks to the three stars aligned and evenly spaced that astronomers call “Orion’s Belt.” The Moon will make the observation of the 2024 Orionids quite challenging, so it may only be truly notable if you have a clear sky far from artificial light sources.

November 4-5: Taurids Meteor Shower

This minor meteor shower in the constellation Taurus will only show you a few meteors if conditions are entirely favorable, as the Moon will obscure a significant amount of its streaks. Its center is in the constellation Ursa Minor—home to Polaris, the star that indicates the North (North Star).

November 16: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East

November 17: Uranus at Opposition

This is the best time to observe this planet. Although theoretically visible to the naked eye, it will only appear as a faint dot even under the best observing conditions. Therefore, similar to Neptune, this will only be a noteworthy event for those with telescopes.

Uranus at opposition is a prominent astronomical event in 2024.

November 17-18: Leonids Meteor Shower

This meteor shower occurs around the area of the constellation Leo. In 2024, the Leonids will still be an average meteor shower with about 30 meteors per hour at its peak. The Moon will significantly hinder the observation of this phenomenon. In areas with clear skies, you may still see some meteors. They can appear from all directions in the sky but will be most concentrated in the region of the constellation Leo (the Lion).

December 7: Jupiter at Opposition

On the evening of December 7, you will have the opportunity to observe Jupiter at the most favorable time of the year. This largest planet in the Solar System will be in the most advantageous position for observers on Earth. With a telescope and a sufficiently clear sky, you can easily identify its colors along with the four Galilean moons as four bright dots on either side of this planet.

December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower

The Geminids are considered the largest meteor shower of the year, with peaks reaching between 100 to 120 meteors per hour under clear skies. This phenomenon occurs throughout December, but the best time for observation will be the night of December 13 to the early morning of December 14. Its center is in the constellation Gemini. The Moon, being nearly full, will cause you to miss many meteors. Nevertheless, if the weather is favorable, you will certainly still be able to find many meteors from this event.

December 21-22: Ursids Meteor Shower

This small meteor shower will only allow you to see a few meteors if the weather is entirely favorable, as the Moon will obscure a significant amount of its streaks. Its center is in the constellation Ursa Minor—the constellation that includes Polaris, the star that guides towards the North (North Star).