Astronomical Calendar 2024 - Summary
This comprehensive 2024 astronomy calendar presents dates for significant celestial events, encompassing moon phases, meteor showers, eclipses, oppositions, conjunctions, and other captivating occurrences. The majority of these astronomical events are observable with the naked eye, although optimal viewing for some may require a good pair of binoculars. The dates and events are sourced from reputable institutions such as the U.S. Naval Observatory, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and the American Meteor Society.
Organized by date, each celestial event is accompanied by an astronomy icon for easy identification. Please be aware that all dates and times are provided in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and must be converted to your local date and time. Utilize the UTC clock widget below to determine the necessary adjustments for your local time zone.
Astronomical Calendar 2024
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 3, 4 | Quadrantids Meteor Shower |
| January 11 | New Moon |
| January 12 | Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation |
| January 25 | Full Moon |
| February 9 | New Moon |
| February 24 | Full Moon |
| March 10 | New Moon |
| March 20 | March Equinox |
| March 24 | Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation |
| March 25 | Full Moon |
| April 8 | New Moon |
| April 8 | Total Solar Eclipse |
| April 22, 23 | Lyrids Meteor Shower |
| April 23 | Full Moon |
| May 6, 7 | Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower |
| May 8 | New Moon |
| May 9 | Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation |
| May 23 | Full Moon |
| June 6 | New Moon |
| June 20 | June Solstice |
| June 22 | Full Moon |
| July 5 | New Moon |
| July 21 | Full Moon |
| July 22 | Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation |
| July 28, 29 | Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower |
| August 4 | New Moon |
| August 12, 13 | Perseids Meteor Shower |
| August 19 | Full Moon, Blue Moon |
| September 3 | New Moon |
| September 5 | Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation |
| September 8 | Saturn at Opposition |
| September 18 | Full Moon, Supermoon |
| September 18 | Partial Lunar Eclipse |
| October 2 | New Moon |
| October 8 | Draconids Meteor Shower |
| October 16 | Full Moon |
| October 31 | New Moon |
| November 7, 8 | Taurids Meteor Shower |
| November 15 | Full Moon, Supermoon |
| November 30 | Partial Lunar Eclipse |
| December 1 | New Moon, Total Solar Eclipse |
| December 14 | Geminids Meteor Shower |
| December 15 | Full Moon, Supermoon |
| December 29 | Ursids Meteor Shower |
Celestial Highlights of 2024
The upcoming year promises a spectacular lineup of skywatching events, including meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and a rare total solar eclipse. Make sure to mark your calendar for these celestial marvels.
January
Quadrantids Meteor Shower: Kick off the year with the Quadrantids meteor shower, peaking between Jan. 3 and Jan. 4. Witness up to 120 shooting stars per hour during this brief but intense celestial display.
March
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: On Mar. 25, 2024, catch a subtle yet captivating penumbral lunar eclipse. Watch as the moon passes through Earth’s outer shadow, creating a mesmerizing celestial event.
April
Total Solar Eclipse: The highlight of the year occurs on April 8 with a total solar eclipse. This rare event will sweep across North America, offering a unique opportunity to witness the sun’s complete blockage by the moon.
Lyrid Meteor Shower: Around Earth Day, on April 21 – April 22, the Lyrid meteor shower will dazzle with its bright fireballs. Known for occasional outbursts, this ancient shower has been observed for over 2,700 years.
August
Perseid Meteor Shower: Despite sharing the spotlight with a solar eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower remains a must-watch. Expect the peak on Aug. 11 – Aug. 13, with up to 100 meteors per hour illuminating the night sky.
September
Partial Lunar Eclipse On Sept. 17, witness a more pronounced lunar eclipse as the moon passes through Earth’s umbra. Although partial, the shadow’s movement creates a captivating display.
November
Leonid Meteor Shower: Mid-November brings the Leonid meteor shower, known for its colorful streaks. While the peak is predicted between Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, historical storms have produced mesmerizing meteor showers.
December
Geminid Meteor Shower: End the year with the Geminid meteor shower, peaking between Dec. 13 and Dec. 14. Enjoy one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers, featuring up to 120 meteors per hour, some with a distinctive greenish hue.
Plan your stargazing adventures and make sure not to miss these celestial wonders in 2024!
