We have a new year to see big events in our skies after an incredible 2022.
Here are some important events for 2023:
January
The first of many good meteor showers will happen in the first few days of the New Year! The annual Quadrantid meteor shower will peak in the early morning hours of January 4, but it’s a short-lived event: meteors can be seen for just a few hours as they appear as flurries in our sky.
Get all the details.
February
Possible bright comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF) – A small comet may be bright enough to be visible in binoculars and very close to the bright planet Mars on February 10th.
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was discovered in 2022 by the now famous automated Zwicky Transient Facility Telescope. The comet can shine with the naked eye during this month. Here are some links to help you find the kite.
March
Venus/Jupiter Conjunction – Venus joins Jupiter on the evening of March 2nd. They will pass less than half a degree above the sky. Look for them in the west at sunset.
April
Rare total/hybrid solar eclipse in Australia and Indonesia – The moon eclipses the sun in a very rare hybrid type eclipse.
Be prepared for a solar eclipse, which is seen as an annular eclipse and then as it progresses, it turns into a total solar eclipse again. Find out more about this event that will take place from April 19 to 20.
may
Solar Cycle 25 really begins – This cycle is growing in intensity and we encourage you to follow the activity live from your desktop or smartphone.
June
Venus reaches its greatest elongation in the dusk sky.
July
Summer is the Milky Way at its best July 17 – With the new moon, the Milky Way is best seen at dusk.
August
The summer Perseid meteor shower is at its best on August 12-13.
September
Venus and Mercury Bright in the Morning Sky September 19-22 – The two inner planets, Mercury and Venus, shine brightly in the predawn sky in September. Here’s how to find the best one.
October
Major Annular Solar Eclipse to Hit US on October 14th – A rare ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse is coming to the US ahead of the next major total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024.
Here’s the best way to watch this event.
November
Jupiter to come to opposition November 3rd – The powerful planet Jupiter will come to opposition on the night of November 3rd in the constellation of Aries the Ram. Here’s the best way to see!
December
Geminid Meteor Shower Peak December 13-14 – The annual meteor shower will be good under dark skies. Here’s the best way to see it.
Happy 2023!
To print your monthly star chart, click here.
For satellites/passing date/times, click here.
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