Nature always fascinates humanity with many extraordinary events. Some natural phenomena are so rare that we may only witness them once in a lifetime. What interesting events will occur on Earth in the next 100 years?
Rare Astronomical Phenomena Coming Soon
- 1. October 14, 2023: The Ring of Fire
- 2. April 13, 2029: Asteroid Apophis Passing by Earth
- 3. June 26, 2029: The Darkest Lunar Eclipse of the Century
- 4. September 8, 2040: The Planetary Parade
- 5. December 6, 2052: The Brightest Supermoon of the Century
- 6. March 24, 2100: Polaris Will be Closest to the True North
1. October 14, 2023: The Ring of Fire
This is an annular solar eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, but the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the Sun. This is why the Moon appears smaller than the Sun and does not fully obscure it. Almost all of North America will be able to witness this partial eclipse known as the “Ring of Fire.”
2. April 13, 2029: Asteroid Apophis Passing by Earth
Our universe is filled with asteroids, ranging from small pebbles to gigantic boulders resembling mountains. Apophis is an asteroid discovered in 2004 and has been identified as a potential hazardous asteroid that could impact Earth due to its large size. Apophis has a diameter of approximately 369 meters, slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower.
On April 13, 2029, the asteroid will be just a few “steps” from the surface of our planet, less than 32,000 km away. Observers in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to see Apophis without the aid of telescopes or binoculars. However, if for any reason you miss it, don’t worry; in 2068, Apophis will return and fly close to Earth again.
3. June 26, 2029: The Darkest Lunar Eclipse of the Century
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon is completely in the shadow of the Earth. On June 26, 2029, according to scientists, we will witness one of the darkest lunar eclipses in hundreds of years. This event will last approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes.
During this occurrence, the Moon will take on a bright red color and appear eerie, which is why this phenomenon is called “Blood Moon.” This is simply because red rays are filtering through our atmosphere, giving it that color. The event will be most clearly visible in South America.
4. September 8, 2040: The Planetary Parade
The planetary parade is a rare event when all the planets in our solar system line up in a row. In 2040, according to NASA, we will be able to visually see a group including Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon in a straight line.
5. December 6, 2052: The Brightest Supermoon of the Century
The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is egg-shaped rather than circular. Therefore, there are two times when the Moon will be closer or further away from us during its orbit around the Earth. Because the Moon’s orbital size slightly changes over time, the closest point each month doesn’t always have the same distance from the Earth.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon is very close to us. This phenomenon is named because at that time the Moon will appear up to 30% larger and brighter than usual. In 2052, it will be the closest and brightest supermoon of the century. Our satellite will be 17,000 miles closer to Earth than normal.
6. March 24, 2100: Polaris Will be Closest to the True North
Polaris is famously known as the first compass for sailors for centuries, helping to indicate the northern direction. Ironically, this star does not perfectly align with true north.
Our planet does not have a fixed axis as Earth moves through space over time, spinning like a giant buoy. Thus, Polaris does not lie exactly on the Earth’s rotational axis; it moves around the sky each night. The arc is so small that humans cannot perceive it.
However, on March 24, 2100, Polaris will finally appear above the true northern point of our planet. Afterward, it will gradually move away and will not return for another 26,000 years. Therefore, this is truly a rare event.
