Warm summer nights under a clear sky – this is not only a beautiful sight for amateur astronomers. Of course the nights are now particularly short, but even in the astronomically bright sky we can observe wonderful events. How about a first-class planetary meeting, a close encounter between Spica and the Moon and the long-awaited occultation of the planet Saturn by the Moon? We are certainly also looking forward to the shooting stars in August.

In the current infographic “Astrohighlights in Summer 2024” we have compiled the most beautiful celestial events.

Feel free to use the graphics on your website (with a link to www.astroshop.eu) and also inform your visitors about upcoming exciting events.

 

June
3.6. Mars meets the Moon
A celestial spectacle awaits early birds on June 3rd. As you look East at dawn, you will witness the reddish Mars and the thin crescent Moon forming a close conjunction – separated only by 2.6 degrees in the sky. This cosmic meeting is not only a fascinating sight, but also a great opportunity for astrophotography.

11.6. The Moon meets Regulus
A celestial view that looks almost royal can be admired tonight: The Moon joins Regulus, the bright main star of the constellation of Leo. The Moon will accompany the majestic lion for two more days, before continuing its journey and entering the next constellation.

16.6. Spica meets the Moon
On June 16th you can pay attention to a close meeting in the night sky between the Moon and Spica, the main star in Virgo. The two approach each other at a distance of only 0.25 degrees. Almost a “cosmic kiss” between these two celestial bodies. Spica, often occulted by the Moon, stays out of an occultation tonight. However, the short distance to the Moon offers an excellent opportunity for observers and photographers to capture this event. So get your telescopes and cameras ready!

27.6. The Moon meets Saturn
In the night of June 27th to 28th the Moon will be relatively close to Saturn. The Moon will approach the ringed planet during its journey and it will almost appear, as if our Moon is going to cover Saturn. From our latitude however, this phenomenon is not visible, as the Moon and Saturn are only visible after midnight. Unfortunately there is no occultation now – we have to wait a bit longer for such an event.

28.6. The Moon meets Neptune
While the rest of the World is still asleep in the early hours of June 28th, the Moon slowly moves towards Neptune – the distant gas giant on the outer edge of our Solar System. With a telescope we can try to catch a glimpse of this planet. Due to its great distance, it appears only as a small disk without recognizable details.

July
1.7. Comet 12P/Olbers
Comets are visitors to the inner Solar System before they disappear for a long time into the outer regions thereof. Once in a while it does happen that they are becoming really bright objects. This year we have already had the luck to observe the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. In July a relatively bright comet can be seen in the sky: The comet 12P/Olbers. It will reach a brightness of 7.5 mag at the beginning of the month and can be seen with binoculars or a telescope. Unfortunately it is close to the horizon, thus making an observation not so easy. First you should find a location with a unobstructed view of the horizon. In addition, the horizon must be crystal clear, because even small or thin clouds can disturb the observation. If the conditions are good, you should definitely try to observe it!

2./3.7. The Moon meets Jupiter, Mars, Uranus and the Pleiades
The dawn of July 2nd and 3rd offers a beautiful celestial spectacle: The thin crescent Moon meets the planets Jupiter, Mars and Uranus during the night. All these objects are located near the famous Pleiades star cluster. This constellation offers an excellent opportunity for astrophotography in order to capture the meeting of these different celestial objects.

6.7. Ceres in opposition
In the night of July 6th Ceres, the largest dwarf planet in our Solar System, will reach its opposition point. This means that it appears to stand directly opposite to the Sun and is therefore visible all night long. With a brightness of 7.3 mag, Ceres is theoretically visible even with binoculars under favorable conditions, although a telescope is recommended for the observation. Due to its star-like appearance, it is necessary to use a star map to undoubtedly identify Ceres in the starry sky. Being without the distinctive features of a planet, the observation of Ceres requires careful planning and observation.

15.7. Mars meets Uranus
In the early morning of July 15th, it is worth looking at the sky when Mars passes by just below Uranus. The two planets will approach each other just shy of half a degree. This means they will appear in the same field of view in a telescope with a wide-angle (<65°) eyepiece. Have you seen this before? A good opportunity tonight. However, you may start observing only after 2 a.m. onwards. In the course of this night, both planets will rise higher in the sky, improving their visibility and observability.

23.7. Pluto in opposition
The dwarf planet with the big heart will be in opposition to the Sun today and will reach a brightness of 14.3 magnitudes. Therefore this former planet is only visible with large telescopes. It is however possible to image it with smaller telescopes. For the mere observation search charts are recommended.

30.7. Delta Aquarids
Watch out for the Delta Aquarids on July 30th. These meteors appear in the constellation of Aquarius and reach a maximum rate of 25 each per hour. The best time for observation is before midnight, as the Moon will appear above the horizon during the second half of the night. An interesting event for all who love shooting stars.

30.7. The Moon meets Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus
In the early morning of July 30th the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter can be observed in a striking constellation, close to the most famous star cluster – the Pleiades. Framed by the prominent stars Aldebaran and Capella, they create an impressive picture in the night sky. If you look into the sky at the beginning of dawn, you can really only admire this beautiful sight.

August
12.8. Perseids
A cosmic performance unfolds in the vast and rich nightsky of August: The Perseid meteor shower.
The Perseids, as they are called by astronomers, shoot numerous times across the sky this evening and we look up with anticipation. Perhaps we will discover bright examples that we can particularly enjoy.
The media often promises a “spectacular fireworks display of 100 shooting stars per hour, a true rain of shooting stars”. This is often an exaggeration, but even without exaggerating the Perseids can be a sensory and fascinating experience for us.
The Moon is now in its first quarter and will set before midnight. After that we can observe in darkness and undisturbed by stray light. All that’s missing is a comfortable blanket, a warm tea and friends who are enthusiastic about observing – so this evening may become a true success.

14.8. Mars meets Jupiter
In the early hours of August 14th a remarkable event will take place for observers, as Mars and Jupiter will approach each other at an extremely close distance of only 0.3 degrees. This short distance is extremely rare compared to the usual distances between planets in the sky and will appear almost, as if the two planets are touching. An ideal opportunity to grab binoculars or a telescope and observe the event. You can see both planets in one field of view, even at high magnification – a spectacular sight that does not happen very often.

21.8. The Moon covers Saturn
In the night of August 21st a very special spectacle presents itself: The Moon will cover the planet Saturn. Although the Moon and Saturn are already visible during the evening hours, the actual occultation does not occur until the early morning hours. At 5:32 a.m., when the Moon approaches Saturn from its illuminated side, the occultation begins. The ringed planet disappears behind the Moon for about an hour and then re-appears around 6:32 a.m. on the unilluminated side of the Moon. At that time the Moon will still be above the horizon, although the Sun will have already risen about 10 minutes earlier.

26.8. The Moon meets the Pleiades
On August 26th an interesting astronomical encounter will take place: The Moon will be in the famous Pleiades star cluster. Additionally, the Moon will move from the West towards the bright star Atlas and cover it in the early morning hours (from 5:40 a.m.). That is not all however, because in the constellation of Taurus there is still more to discover: If you look a little lower, you will find the planets Mars and Jupiter. The planet Uranus is in the same constellation as well, but since it is only visible with binoculars or a telescope, you will need a search chart.

27.8. The Moon meets Jupiter and Mars
In the night of August 27th it is worth looking again at Taurus, which appears above the horizon in the second half of the night. The constellation is accompanied by the planets Jupiter and Mars. Especially at early dawn, when the sky turns blueish, they form an incredibly beautiful trio together with the waning Moon.

Look up in the sky and be amazed by the interesting Astronomical events of the coming months! A comet in the evening sky, an impressive meteor shower, as well as fascinating encounters between the Moon and the planets or stars, are waiting to be observed. To make sure you do not miss any of these highlights, we have collected an overview of these celestial events under “Astrohighlights in Spring 2024”.

In this graphic you will find a quick overview and a selection of particularly interesting celestial phenomena. Further information and detailed explanations can be found in the accompanying text.

We wish you a lot of fun when observing!

May

03.03. Moon meets Antares
On March 3rd, amateur astronomers can witness an interesting event in the sky: In the early morning hours, just before dawn, you can observe the waning Moon meeting Antares, the reddish bright star in the constellation of Scorpius. The two celestial bodies will be only about 2 degrees apart, which is approximately four times the diameter of the full Moon. Such celestial encounters are not only visually appealing, but also provide an opportunity to understand the motion of the Moon among the “background” of stars.

13.03. Moon meets Jupiter
In the evening of March 13th, skywatchers can experience an impressive meeting of two objects in the night sky: The slender crescent Moon and Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System. Both objects will be high in the sky during this evening’s twilight in the constellation of Aries – with Jupiter standing out due to its enormous brightness. The Moon sets at 10:50pm on this day. In March, Jupiter remains visible for a while after sunset, but its setting times become earlier throughout the month.

18.03. Moon meets Pollux
On March 18th the waxing Moon visits the constellation of Gemini and approaches Pollux, the brightest star in this constellation. Despite its brightness, Pollux is called Beta Geminorum, even though “Beta” is usually indicating the second brightest star of a constellation.

22.03. Mercury in the evening
On March 22nd there is a great opportunity to observe Mercury in the evening sky. It reaches its best evening visibility of the year and a few days later, on March 24th, it will be in Eastern elongation to the Sun. If you have never seen Mercury before, this is the perfect time to take a look at the innermost planet of our Solar System. We recommend watching after 7pm, when the Sun has already set more than half an hour earlier.

26.03. Moon meets Spica
On March 26th the Moon meets the star Spica, the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo. This event occurs just one day after the full Moon.

April

01.04. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
Amateur astronomers can now take a look at the comet “12P/Pons-Brooks”. Although it is a rare event to spot a bright comet in the sky, this one can already be found with binoculars (and maybe even with the naked eye). It reaches its closest point to the Sun and its greatest brightness on April 21st, but at this time it will only be visible slightly above the horizon. On April 10th there is a nice reunion in the Western sky between the Moon and Jupiter during the early evening hours. Just below these two you will find the comet. If you observe Jupiter on April 13th, simply look 3 degrees lower and vertically towards the horizon. Then you have found the comet.

08.04. Total Solar Eclipse (North America)
On April 8th a total Solar Eclipse will occur over North America. The path of the totality extends across Mexico, the USA, and Canada. The maximum duration of the totality depends on the location and may reach up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The eclipse will not be visible in Europe.

10.04. Moon meets Jupiter
On April 10th the delicate crescent Moon joins Jupiter. At twilight we will enjoy a particularly beautiful sight that is certainly worth a photo. Not far from this heavenly meeting the comet “12P/Pons-Brooks” can also be seen above the Western horizon.

18.04. Golden Handle
The “Golden Handle” appears at 83% of the lunar phase, about 10 days after a New Moon, and is a visual phenomenon along the light/shadow terminator of the Moon. It is located in the Bay of Sinus Iridium, a lava-flooded crater surrounded by a mountain range called the Jura Mountains. Due to the height of these mountains, the phenomenon occurs when the rising Sun illuminates the mountain peaks and creates the “Golden Handle”.

21.04. T Coronae Borealis
T Coronae Borealis is a variable star in the constellation of Corona Borealis, located about 2,700 light-years away from us. It usually has a brightness of 10.8 mag, but within a cycle of about 80 years it can become more than 1000 times brighter than a nova. The star can reach up to 2 mag during such an outburst, surpassing even the brightest star Gemma in the Northern Crown. Such events occurred in the years 1866 and 1946 for example. The next outburst could occur in 2024 and become an absolute highlight for us. Let’s wait and see…The astronomical world is definitely calling to watch out for this. Such an observation is quite easily doable for you, as you don’t even need binoculars, because of the star’s brightness.

22.04. Lyrids
During the peak on April 22nd, the meteor shower ‘Lyrids’ offers an impressive number of up to 20 meteors per hour. The best time to observe them is between 10:00pm and 4:00am. However, this year the almost full Moon will interfere. The shower’s source point is located in the constellation of Lyra.

27.04. Moon meets Antares
When you look towards the South in the very early morning hours of April 27th, you will see the constellation of Scorpius rising in the sky. Our Moon will be very close to the bright star Antares today.

May

12.05. Moon meets Pollux
On May 11th and 12th the Moon crosses the constellation of Gemini. The constellation is usually found in the Winter sky and is now noticeably tilting towards the Western horizon. In close proximity to the Moon the bright star Pollux is going to shine brilliantly – a star that is about nine times the size of our Sun.

15.05. Moon meets Regulus
Today the Moon makes contact with the star Regulus in the constellation of Leo. Regulus, known as the “little king”, is the brightest star in this constellation. An interesting fact that we can not notice is that Regulus rotates at a speed of about 317 km/s – so fast that it appears flattened.

19.05. Asteroid Pallas in Opposition
The Asteroid Pallas will be in opposition to the Sun on May 19th. Pallas is one of the largest Asteroids, having a diameter of 510 kilometers. It appears through the telescope as if it were an ordinary star. Therefore we recommend using a star chart. Additionally, it is easier to locate the Asteroid with a GoTo mount.

24.05. Moon meets Antares
Our Moon and the bright star Antares will be visible above the Southeast horizon before midnight. During its ascent in the sky, we can find the full Moon centered in the constellation of Scorpius. Antares shines intensely red and, being a supergiant, has a diameter of 700 times the size of the Sun. If it was placed in the position of our Sun, its sphere would extend beyond the orbit of Mars!

31.05. Moon meets Saturn
Early birds will have the opportunity to observe the meeting of the Moon and Saturn at dusk of May 31st. Assuming a clear sky, this will give us a beautiful start into the day. While beholding the Moon and Saturn you can also discover the planet Mars further to the East.