Celestial events have always fascinated mankind with their magnetic allure.There is something so mystical and intriguing about astronomical affairs. Considering the same, we have listed down the upcoming celestial events of 2020, and where you can witness them. By Kumar Shree
1. Moon Covers Mars
The moon will directly be between the Earth and Mars’ orbits, covering the bright red-dot in the sky for about two hours. If you manage to park yourself at a good spot with suitable equipments, you can capture the event at its best.
When: February 18
Where: Entire Northern America, except Alaska and Hawaii.
2. Super Worm Moon
This event occurs when moon, in its orbit, is closest to Earth. Because of the reduced distance, the moon appears bigger and brighter than usual, thus making it a spectacle to behold. The phenomenon is called a Super Worm Moon as it coincides with the beginning of spring, and that’s when the worms re-appear in the soil.
When: March 9
Where: Most parts of the Earth.
3. Super Pink Moon
No, it’s not a pink moon that you will see in the sky. It is a full-moon night, and the name is derived from spring wildflowers that bloom in the United States and Canada. Super pink moon also decides the date of Easter as it is celebrated on the first Sunday after this moon.
When: April 8
Where: Most parts of the Earth.
4. Super Flower Moon
This will be the fourth consecutive super moon of 2020 and is something no enthusiast would want to miss. We will not spoil your experience by revealing all the visual details. For now, just note that it signifies the blooming of flowers.
When: May 7
Where: Most parts of the Earth.
5. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
It’s an imperfect alignment of the sun, Earth and the moon that’s referred to as the penumbral lunar eclipse. The moon in this case wears a darker shade during the eclipse’s maximum phase.
When: June 5
Where: Asia, Australia, Africa, Atlantic, Antarctica, Europe, Indian Ocean, South/East South America, and Pacific region.
6. Annular Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. An annular solar eclipse is when the moon, because of its distance, cannot cover the entire sun behind it. The sun’s edges appear to forms a halo around the moon. This halo is also referred to as an annulus, and hence the name of this eclipse.
When: June 21
Where: Parts of northern India, the Arabian peninsula, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Pakistan, southern China and Taiwan. Not visible in the Americas. Partially visible across most of Africa and Asia.
7. Perseid Meteor Shower
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The meteor shower originate from the constellation of Perseu, thus giving it the name Perseid meteor shower. These showers occur when the Earth passes through the debris field of a comet orbiting around the sun.
When: August 11, 12, and 13
Where: Most parts of the Earth. Station yourself in a secluded area away from the city-lights.
8. Geminid Meteor Shower
The meteor shower radiating from the constellation of Gemini is touted as the best shower of the year by astronomers. It appears as bright streaks of white lights in the sky and is quite a spectacle.
When: December 13 and 14
Where: Most parts of the Earth. Station yourself in a secluded area away from the city-lights.
9. Total Solar Eclipse
A total solar eclipse occurs when a new moon comes between the sun and the Earth. The new moon, during this time, casts the darkest part of its shadow, the umbra, on planet blue.
When: December 14
Where: Argentina and Chile. Regions in South America will manage glimpses of the partial eclipse.
10. Northern Lights
The last of the celestial events in 2020 has to be the evergreen, or ever so blue, Northern Lights. The mesmerising phenomenon has been catching the fancy of many over the years and 2020 is one of those years where it is expected to look its best.
When: December to March
Where: Places along the Arctic circle, say Alaska, Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden would be best.
Related: The Longest Ever Lunar Eclipse Takes Place Tonight And It’s Going To Be Blood…
