If you’re hoping to wish upon a star in 2020, here are some notable days to keep in mind. The year is set to be chockablock with awe-inspiring astronomical events.
Here are some of the most notable events for sky-watchers to look out for in 2020, according to space.com.
June 20 - June solstice
June 21 - Annular solar eclipse
July 5 - Penumbral lunar eclipse and full moon
July 14 - Jupiter at opposition. This will be the closest that Jupiter will be to Earth and will be illuminated by the sun. This is the best chance to photograph the planet.
July 20 - Saturn at opposition. A chance to view the ringed planet while it is close to Earth and illuminated by the sun. use a telescope to see its rings.
July 22 - Mercury will be the most visible as it will be at its highest point in the sky. Look for it in the east before sunrise.
July 28-29 - Meteor shower
Aug. 11-12 - Meteor shower
Aug. 13- The best time to see Venus. Look in the eastern sky before sunrise.
Happening later in the year:
Oct. 31 - Full moon, blue moon
Nov. 30 - Penumbral lunar eclipse
Dec. 14 - Total solar eclipse
Dec. 21 - Rare conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
What is a penumbral lunar eclipse?
There will be several penumbral lunar eclipses in 2020. However, according to space.com, it can sometimes be seen as the least exciting eclipse. That's because it occurs when the moon is in the Earth's outer (penumbral) shadow and can be hard to see unless you have a seasoned eye for these things.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is when the moon is between the Earth and the sun and therefore the moon casts a shadow on the Earth, according to space.com. On average, a total solar eclipse occurs about once every 18 months.
What is a supermoon?
According to NASA, the moniker was coined by an astrologer in 1979 and is often used to describe a full moon happening near or at the time when the moon is at its closest point in its orbit around Earth. Supermoons may appear as much as 14% closer and 30% brighter than the moon on an average night.
The moon’s average distance from Earth is approximately 238,000 miles.
What is a blue moon?
There are a couple different ways to define this rare event, according to space.com. A seasonal blue moon is the third full moon in a season of four full moons. A blue moon can also refer to the second full moon in a calendar month.
Where to watch:
If you’re hoping to catch the best star and space show in Georgia, here are some things to keep in mind.
Where are the best places to go stargazing in Georgia?
Where are the best places to see the supermoon?
Wherever the sky is clear and the moon is visible is an ideal place from which to experience the spectacle.
But if you're really up to making an adventure out of it, consider heading to a state park or the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville.
Stephen C. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp is notorious for being one of the best spots in the world for star gazing and was named a gold-tier "International Dark Sky Park."
About the Author
