Astronomy Calendar 2023

Quadrantids Meteor Shower, January 3, 4, At its peak, the Quadrantids shower produces up to 40 meteors per hour, which is above average. It is thought to have been made by dust grains from 2003 EH1, a comet that died out and was discovered in 2003. The shower is held once a year, from January 1 to 5. This year, it reaches its highest point on the morning of the fourth and night. Most of the fainter meteors this year will be obscured by the nearly full moon. However, you might still be able to catch a few good ones if you are patient. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Bootes constellation.


January 6 - Full Moon. The Moon will be situated on the contrary side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be completely enlightened. The time of this phase is 23:09 UTC. Because it was during this time of year that hungry wolf packs howled outside of their camps, early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the "Wolf Moon." The Old Moon and the Moon After Yule are two other names for this moon.


January 21 - New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 20:55 UTC. This is the best time to notice faint articles, for example, systems and star bunches since there is no evening glow to meddle.

Mercury is at its greatest western elongation on January 30. Mercury is 25 degrees away from the Sun at its greatest western elongation. Because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky, this is the best time to observe Mercury. Just before sunrise, look for the planet low in the eastern sky.


Full Moon on February 5 The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 18:30 UTC. Because this was the time of year when the most snow fell, early Native American tribes called this full moon the Snow Moon. Since hunting is troublesome, this moon has additionally been referred to by certain clans as the Yearning Moon.



20th of February: New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 07:08 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


Full Moon on March 7 The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 12:42 UTC. Because this was the time of year when earthworms would reappear and the ground would begin to soften, early Native American tribes called this full moon the Worm Moon. The Lenten Moon, the Crow Moon, the Crust Moon, and the Sap Moon are all other names for this moon.


The equinox occurs on March 20. At 21:17 UTC, the equinox of March occurs. The Sun will sparkle straightforwardly on the equator and there will be almost equivalent measures of constantly all through the world. The Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox begins on this day, and the Southern Hemisphere's autumnal equinox begins on this day.


21 March: New Moon The Moon will situated on a similar side of the Earth as the Sun and won't be noticeable in the night sky. The time of this phase is 17:25 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.



Full Moon on April 6 The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 04:37 UTC. Because the wild ground phlox, or moss pink, one of the first spring flowers, appeared on this full moon, early Native American tribes referred to it as the "Pink Moon." This moon has also been referred to as the Egg Moon, the Growing Moon, and the Sprouting Grass Moon. Because it coincided with the time when shad swam upstream to spawn, many coastal tribes referred to it as the Fish Moon.


Mercury is at its greatest eastern elongation on April 11th. Mercury is closest to the Sun at its greatest eastern elongation, which is 19.5 degrees. Because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky, this is the best time to observe Mercury. Search for the planet low in the western sky soon after dusk.


20 April: New Moon The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 04:15 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


Hybrid solar eclipse on April 20. A mixture sun powered obscure happens when the Moon is excessively near the Earth to hinder the Sun totally. Some parts of the world will see this kind of eclipse as a total eclipse, while others will see it as an annular eclipse. Beginning in the southern Indian Ocean, the eclipse will travel through western Australia and southern Indonesia. A halfway obscuration will be noticeable all through the majority of Indonesia and Australia. ( NASA Guide and Obscuration Data) (NASA Intuitive Google Guide)


April 22, 23 - Lyrids Meteor Shower. At its peak, the Lyrids shower typically produces approximately 20 meteors per hour. It is made by dust particles that comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was found in 1861, left behind. The shower is held every year from April 16 to 25. This year, it reaches its highest point on the morning of the 23rd and evening of the 22nd. The bright dust trails that these meteors sometimes leave can last for several seconds. As the thin crescent moon sets early in the evening, the sky will be dark, making for a good show. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors can be seen anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Lyra constellation.


Full Moon on May 5 The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 17:36 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Flower Moon due to the abundance of spring flowers during this time of year. This moon has also been referred to as the Milk Moon and the Corn Planting Moon.


Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on May 5 When the Moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, or penumbra, it is called a penumbral lunar eclipse. The Moon will darken slightly but not completely during this type of eclipse. All of Asia, Australia, parts of eastern Europe, and eastern Africa will be visible during the eclipse. NASA's Eclipse Map) The Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower occurs on May 6, 7, and 8. At its peak, the Eta Aquarids shower, which is above average, can produce up to 60 meteors per hour. The majority of the action is found in the Southern Side of the equator. The rate can reach approximately 30 meteors per hour in the Northern Hemisphere. It is made by dust that comet Halley, which has been observed since ancient times, left behind. The shower is held every year on April 19 through May 28. This year, between the evening of May 6 and the morning of May 7, it reaches its peak. This year, the nearly full moon, which obscures all but the brightest meteors, will be a problem. You should still be able to catch a few good ones if you are patient. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors will emanate from the group of stars Aquarius, however can show up anyplace overhead.


New Moon on May 19 The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 15:55 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


Mercury's greatest western elongation occurs on May 29. Mercury's western elongation is greatest at 24.9 degrees from the Sun. Because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky, this is the best time to observe Mercury. Just before sunrise, look for the planet low in the eastern sky.


Full Moon on June 4th. The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 03:43 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Strawberry Moon because it indicated the time of year to gather ripe fruit. Additionally, it occurs at the height of strawberry harvesting season. The Rose Moon and the Honey Moon are two other names for this moon.


Venus is at its greatest eastern elongation on June 4. From the Sun, Venus has the greatest eastern elongation at 45.4 degrees. Because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky, this is the best time to observe Venus. After sunset, look for the bright planet in the western sky.


New Moon on June 18th. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 04:39 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


June Solstice is on June 21. At 14:51 UTC, the June solstice occurs. The Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky and will be directly above the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44 degrees north latitude, will be directly above the North Pole of the Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the first day of summer (summer solstice), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the first day of winter (winter solstice).


July 3: Supermoon and Full Moon. The Moon will be situated on the contrary side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be completely enlightened. The time of this phase is 11:40 UTC. The male buck deer would begin to develop their new antlers at this time of year, which is why early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the "Buck Moon." The Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon are two other names for this moon. Additionally, this is the first of four 2023 supermoons. As it gets closer to Earth, the Moon may appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.


New Moon on July 17 The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 18:33 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower, July 28 and 29. At its peak, the Delta Aquarids, a typical shower, can produce up to 20 meteors per hour. It is created by cometary debris from Marsden and Kracht. The shower is held every year on July 12 through August 23. It tops this year the evening of July 28 and morning of July 29. This year, most of the fainter meteors will be blocked by the nearly full moon. However, you might still be able to catch a few good ones if you are patient. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors will emanate from the star grouping Aquarius, yet can show up anyplace overhead.



August 1: Supermoon and Full Moon. From Earth's perspective, the Moon will be completely illuminated and will be opposite the Sun. The time of this phase is 18:33 UTC. Because the large sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes and other major lakes were easier to catch during this time of year, early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Sturgeon Moon. Additionally, it has been referred to as the Grain Moon and the Green Corn Moon. Additionally, this is the second of four 2023 supermoons. As it gets closer to Earth, the Moon may appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.


Mercury is at its greatest eastern elongation on August 10th. The planet Mercury arrives at most prominent eastern stretching of 27.4 degrees from the Sun. This is the best chance to see Mercury since it will be at its most noteworthy point over the skyline at night sky. Search for the planet low in the western sky soon after nightfall.


Perseids Meteor Shower, August 12, 13, One of the best meteor showers to watch is the Perseids, which can produce up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Swift-Tuttle, a comet discovered in 1862, is the source of it. The Perseid meteor shower is well-known for its abundance. The shower is held every year on July 17 through August 24. This year, it reaches its highest point on August 12 and 13. This year, the crescent moon shouldn't be too problematic. The sky should still be sufficiently dark for an effective display. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Perseus constellation.


The 16th is a new moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 09:39 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


Saturn is in opposition on August 27. The ringed planet's face will be completely illuminated by the Sun at its closest approach to Earth. It will be visible throughout the night and be brighter than at any other time of the year. The best time to observe and photograph Saturn and its moons is right now. You can see some of Saturn's brightest moons and its rings with a medium or larger telescope.


31 August: Blue Moon, Supermoon, and Full Moon. The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 01:37 UTC. Additionally, this is the third of four 2023 supermoons. As it gets closer to Earth, the Moon may appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. It is sometimes referred to as a blue moon because this is the second full moon in the same month.


The 15th is the New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 01:41 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


Neptune is in opposition on September 19th. The blue goliath planet will be at its nearest way to deal with Earth and its face will be completely enlightened by the Sun. It will be visible throughout the night and be brighter than at any other time of the year. Neptune can be seen and photographed at its best at this time. In all but the most powerful telescopes, it will only be visible as a tiny blue dot due to its extreme distance from Earth.


Mercury is at its greatest western elongation on September 22. Mercury's western elongation is greatest at 17.9 degrees from the Sun. Because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky, this is the best time to observe Mercury. Just before sunrise, look for the planet low in the eastern sky.


The September equinox is on September 23. At 06:43 UTC, the equinox of September occurs. The equator will be directly illuminated by the Sun, and day and night will be nearly equal everywhere. This is also the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere (autumnal equinox) and the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere (vernal equinox).


September 29: Supermoon and Full Moon. The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. This stage happens at 09:59 UTC. Because corn is harvested during this time of year, early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the "Corn Moon." The Harvest Moon is another name for this moon. The full moon closest to the September equinox is known as the Harvest Moon. Additionally, this is the fourth and final supermoon for 2023. As it gets closer to Earth, the Moon may appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.


Draconids Meteor Shower on October 7 Only about ten meteors per hour are produced by the Draconids, a minor meteor shower. It is made by dust grains that comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first found in 1900, left behind. Unlike most other showers, the Draconids are best observed in the early evening rather than the early morning. The shower occurs every year on October 6-10 and reaches its peak on October 7 this year. It should be a good show thanks to the second quarter moon and early evening dark skies. The best time to see it is in the early evening from a dark spot far from the city lights. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Draco constellation.


The 14th is the New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 17:56 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


Solar eclipse in the annulus on October 14 When the Moon is too far away from the Earth to completely obscure the Sun, this type of solar eclipse is called an annular one. This outcomes in a ring of light around the obscured Moon. During an annular eclipse, the Sun's corona is not visible. The path of the eclipse will begin in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern Canada and traverse the southwestern United States, Central America, Columbia, and Brazil before ending in the Pacific Ocean. A portion of the eclipse will be visible across a large portion of South and North America. NASA Map and Eclipse Information) The Orionids Meteor Shower will occur on October 21, 22 (NASA Interactive Google Map). At its peak, the Orionids meteor shower produces up to 20 meteors per hour on average. It is made by dust grains that Halley's comet left behind, as has been observed and known since ancient times. The shower is held every year on October 2 through November 7. This year, it reaches its highest point on October 21 and 22 morning. Even though the first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight, it may obscure some of the faint meteors in the evening. Because of this, the sky will be dark, which could make for a good morning show. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Orion constellation.


Venus is at its greatest western elongation on October 23. From the Sun, Venus has the greatest eastern elongation at 46.4 degrees. Since Venus will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky, this is the best time to observe it. Before dawn, look for the bright planet in the eastern sky.


The 28th is the Full Moon. The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 20:25 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the Hunters Moon due to the fact that at this time of year, the leaves are falling and the game is fat and ready to hunt. The Travel Moon and the Blood Moon are two other names for this moon.


a partial lunar eclipse on October 28. When only a small portion of the Moon passes through the darkest shadow, or umbra, of the Earth, this is known as a partial lunar eclipse. As it passes through Earth's shadow during this type of eclipse, a portion of the Moon will become darker. The shroud will be noticeable all through all of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and western Australia. ( NASA Map and Information on the Eclipse) November 3: Jupiter in Opposition The giant planet's face will be completely illuminated by the Sun because it will be closest to Earth. It will be visible throughout the night and be brighter than at any other time of the year. The best time to observe and photograph Jupiter and its moons is right now. You should be able to see some of the finer details in Jupiter's cloud bands with a medium-sized telescope. You should be able to see Jupiter's four largest moons as bright dots on either side of the planet with a good pair of binoculars.


Taurids Meteor Shower, November 4, 5, and 6. The Taurids are a small, long-lived meteor shower that only produces 5 to 10 meteors per hour. It is unusual because it has two distinct streams. The first is made by dust grains that Asteroid 2004 TG10 left behind. The subsequent stream is delivered by flotsam and jetsam abandoned by Comet 2P Encke. From September 7 to December 10, the shower is held every year. This year, between the evening of November 4 and morning of November 5, it reaches its peak. This year, the majority of the dim meteors will be blocked by the second quarter moon. However, you might still be able to catch a few good ones if you are patient. The best viewing will be from a dark location far from the city lights just after midnight. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Taurus constellation.


New Moon on November 13th. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 09:28 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


On November 13, Uranus opposes. The face of the blue-green planet, which will be closest to Earth, will be completely illuminated by the Sun. It will be visible throughout the night and be brighter than at any other time of the year. Uranus can be seen at its best right now. In all but the most powerful telescopes, it will only be visible as a tiny blue-green dot due to its distance.


Leonids Meteor Shower on November 17, 18, and 19. The Leonids is a typical shower, creating up to 15 meteors each hour at its pinnacle. The fact that this shower has a cyclonic peak with hundreds of meteors per hour about every 33 years makes it unique. The most recent of these took place in 2001. The Leonids are made of dust grains that comet Tempel-Tuttle's 1865 discovery left behind. Every year, the shower runs from November 6 to November 30. This year, it reaches its peak on the morning of the 18th and night of the 17th. As the crescent moon sets before midnight, the sky will be dark, making for a great early morning show. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Leo constellation.


November 27 - Full Moon. The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 09:17 UTC. Because this was the time of year to set beaver traps before the swamps and rivers froze, early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the "Beaver Moon." Frosty Moon and Dark Moon are other names for it.


Mercury is at its greatest eastern elongation on December 4th. Mercury is closest to the Sun at its greatest eastern elongation, 21.3 degrees. Because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky, this is the best time to observe Mercury. Just after sunset, look for the planet low in the western sky.


December 12 - New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. The time of this phase is 23:33 UTC. Because there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters.


December 13, 14 - Geminids Meteor Shower. The Geminids meteor shower reigns supreme. At its peak, it produces up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour, making it widely regarded as the best shower in the heavens. It comes from the debris that an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, which was discovered in 1982, left behind. The shower is held every year from December 7 to 17. This year, it reaches its peak on the morning of the 14th and night of the 13th. The Geminids should have a fantastic year this year. Due to the nearly new moon, the sky will be dark for an excellent show. After midnight, the best viewing will be from a dark location. Meteors will transmit from the heavenly body Gemini, however can show up anyplace overhead.


Ursids Meteor Shower on December 21, 22, and 23. About 5 to 10 meteors per hour are produced by the Ursids, a minor meteor shower. It is made from dust grains that comet Tuttle, which was first discovered in 1790, left behind. The shower is held every year from December 17 to 25. This year, it reaches its highest point on the morning of the 22nd and night of the 21st. This year, the majority of the faintest meteors will be blocked out by the waxing gibbous moon. However, you should still be able to catch a few good ones if you are patient. The best viewing will be from a dark location far from the city lights just after midnight. Meteors can be seen anywhere in the sky and radiate from the Ursa Minor constellation.


December Solstice is on December 22. At 03:21 UTC, the December solstice occurs. Earth's South Pole will be tilted toward the Sun, which will be directly above the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.44 degrees south latitude and will have reached its southernmost point in the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the first day of winter (winter solstice), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the first day of summer (summer solstice).


December 27 - Full Moon. The Moon's face will be completely illuminated because it will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The time of this phase is 00:34 UTC. Early Native American tribes referred to this full moon as the "Cold Moon" because it marks the time of year when the dark nights and chilly winter air take hold. This moon has also been referred to as the Moon Before Yule and the Long Nights Moon.