Welcome to 2024! A new year means new resolutions and plans. 2024 is a leap year, offering 366 days of stargazing. The cold air this time of year is less hazy than it is during the summer, so celestial bodies are easier to see if there are fewer clouds. Here are some cosmic events to keep and eye on as we welcome in 2024.
January 3 and 4– Quadrantids Meteor Shower Predicted Peak
The Quadrantids is technically the year’s first meteor shower. This year, it is predicted to peak in the early morning hours on January 3 and 4.Â
While not as dramatic as December’s Geminids or July’s Persieds, the Quadrantids can produce over 100 meteors per hour under a dark sky without a bright moon.
For 2024, looking for shooting stars after 1 a.m. local time wherever you are will be the best bet for stargazing. However, the moon will also be rising, so the light may drown out the more faint shooting stars.
January 12– Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
Mercury will reach its greatest separation from the sun on January 12. Look for the Mercury low in the eastern sky just before sunrise local time. The planet will brighten rapidly at the beginning of this morning apparition.Â
January 13 and 14– The Moon and Saturn ‘Dance’
The moon will appear close to our solar system’s most famous ringed planet this month. The moon will appear to float above Saturn on the 13th and then will dip below the ringed planet on the 14th. In Eastern Time, the two will be visible before the moon sets at about 8:10 p.m.
January 25– Full Wolf Moon
The first full moon of 2024 rises on January 25 and reaches peak illumination at 12:54 p.m.
