Astronomical calendar 2024: Meteor showers, Eclipse, Conjunctions and more

The universe has always been a source of wonder to mankind, full of mysteries waiting to be discovered. In the year 2023, a spectacular Geminid meteor shower and Comet Nishimura graced us, leaving us in awe and wonder. 2024 promises to bring us even more excitement and astronomical events! With many other stunning phenomena waiting to be discovered. So, let’s look up and get ready for a year full of astronomical wonders.

Astronomical events 2024

Meteor showers in 2024

2024 is an exciting year for stargazers with celestial events including eclipses, meteor showers, and conjunctions.

Here’s a table that provides a list of some major astronomical events and some valuable information about the events. This Data is calculated using the Stellarium software.

Note: The peak dates may vary.

Quadrantids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early January
Peak Time: January 4
Parent Body: 2003 EH1
Hourly Rate: 110 meteors/hour

Alpha Centaurids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early February
Peak Time: February 8
Parent Body: Unknown
Hourly Rate: 6 meteors/hour

Lyrids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Mid-April
Peak Time: April 23
Parent Body: C/1861 G1 (Thatcher)
Hourly Rate: 18 meteors/hour

Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early May
Peak Time: May 6
Parent Body: 1P/Halley
Hourly Rate: 50 meteors/hour

Arietids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early June
Peak Time: June 8
Parent Body: 1566 Icarus
Hourly Rate: 30 meteors/hour

Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower
Start Time: End of July
Peak Time: July 30
Parent Body: 96P/Machholz
Hourly Rate: 25 meteors/hour

Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower
Start Time: End of July
Peak Time: July 30
Parent Body: 169P/NEAT
Hourly Rate: 5 meteors/hour

Perseid Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early August
Peak Time: August 13
Parent Body: 109P/Swift-Tuttle
Hourly Rate: 110 meteors/hour

Aurigid Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early September
Peak Time: September 1
Parent Body: C/1911 N1 (Kiess)
Hourly Rate: 6 meteors/hour

Draconids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early October
Peak Time: October 9
Parent Body: 21P/Giacobini-Zinner
Hourly Rate: 10 meteors/hour

Southern Taurids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early October
Peak Time: October 10
Parent Body: 2P/Encke
Hourly Rate: 5 meteors/hour

Orionids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Mid-October
Peak Time: October 22
Parent Body: 1P/Halley
Hourly Rate: 20 meteors/hour

Northern Taurids Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early November
Peak Time: November 13
Parent Body: 2P/Encke
Hourly Rate: 5 meteors/hour

Leonid Meteor Shower
Start Time: Mid-November
Peak Time: November 18
Parent Body: 55P/Tempel-Tuttle
Hourly Rate: 15 meteors/hour

Geminid Meteor Shower
Start Time: Early December
Peak Time: December 14
Parent Body: Asteroid 3200 Phaethon
Hourly Rate: 140 meteors/hour

Ursid Meteor Shower
Start Time: Mid-December
Peak Time: December 23
Parent Body: 8P/Tuttle
Hourly Rate: 10 meteors/hour

Eclipse in 2024

1. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
Time: March 25
Visibility: Eastern Europe, Eastern Africa, Asia, and Western Australia

2. Total Solar Eclipse
Time: April 9
Visibility: Crossing from Mexico, through the United States from Texas to Maine, and up through Canada

3. Partial Lunar Eclipse
Time: September 18
Visibility: Most of North America and South America, Europe, and Africa

Conjunctions in 2024

Necessary equipment for stargazing

Here’s a list of essential stargazing equipment for night and daytime observations

• Binoculars
• Telescope
• Star Maps or Sky Atlases
• Red Flashlight
• Sturdy Tripod
• Finder Scope
• Observation Chair
• Planisphere
• Warm Clothing and Blanket
• Notebook and Pen
• Smartphone with Astronomy Apps
• Lens and Filter Kit
• Thermos with Hot Beverage
• Insect Repellent
• Power Supply
• Weather App
• Camera with Adapter (optional)
• Observing Logbook
• Astronomy Books and Guides
• Groundsheet
• Eclipse glasses
• Solar filters for your camera and telescope