The cosmos is an ever-changing and fascinating place, with celestial events taking place all the time. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who enjoys looking up at the night sky, there are plenty of exciting events to watch out for this year. From meteor showers to eclipses, here are some of the key celestial events to look forward to in 2022.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower - January 3-4
The Quadrantid meteor shower is one of the first major meteor showers of the year and occurs annually from December 28th to January 12th. However, the peak of the shower typically falls on January 3rd or 4th. This year’s shower promises to be particularly impressive, with up to 120 meteors per hour expected to streak across the sky. To catch the best view, find a dark location away from city lights and look towards the northeast sky after midnight.
Total Lunar Eclipse - May 16-17
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a reddish shadow over the lunar surface. The eclipse will be visible in parts of North and South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia. This year’s eclipse will last for around 5 hours and 18 minutes, with totality lasting for approximately 14 minutes. The best viewing times will be during the early morning hours of May 17th.
Perseid Meteor Shower - August 11-12
The annual Perseid meteor shower is one of the most popular and well-known meteor showers of the year. It occurs when debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet enters the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a spectacular display of shooting stars. This year’s shower is expected to peak on the night of August 11th and early morning of August 12th, with up to 100 meteors per hour visible in the night sky.
Annular Solar Eclipse - October 14
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but does not completely cover the Sun, leaving a “ring of fire” around the Moon. The eclipse will be visible in parts of Russia, Canada, and the United States. The best viewing locations will be in the northern regions of these countries. The eclipse will last for approximately 3 hours, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 10:34 UTC.
Geminid Meteor Shower - December 13-14
The Geminid meteor shower is another popular meteor shower that occurs every December. It is caused by debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon entering the Earth’s atmosphere. This year’s shower is expected to peak on the night of December 13th and early morning of December 14th, with up to 120 meteors per hour visible in the night sky. The best viewing locations will be in areas with clear, dark skies away from city lights.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the exciting celestial events that will take place in 2022. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just enjoy gazing at the stars, these events offer a chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the cosmos. So mark your calendars, grab your telescope, and get ready to witness some truly awe-inspiring sights in the night sky.