Astronomical Events

Finding astronomical events (when something like a solar eclipse, full moon or planetary alignment happens) is an important part of astronomy. I know I am always wanting to see something out of the ordinary, and these types of astronomical events charts help me with that.

One particular set of astronomical events that are always on my list are meteor showers. These are the best astronomical events there are for doing outreach as you can have a large group outside having fun watching for them. It is also one of the few astronomical events where you can make it into a party that lasts for hours. Get out the drinks, fire up the grill, make a contest out of who sees the most. Fun!

Eclipses are awesome astronomical events

These are upcoming astronomical events that I think are more important to the observer and astrophotographer primarily in North America and include all of the rare (and many not-so-rare) astronomical events I know of. I have left out much of the things I think are fluff such as when planets are closest and furthest away as that is really only important to people who want to image particular planets. If you know of an important astronomical event that I have missed, please use the contact form to let me know.

List of past Astronomical Events 2017

01/03/2017	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
02/11/2017	Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
04/22/2017	Lyrids Meteor Shower
07/28/2017	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/12/2017	Perseids Meteor Shower
08/21/2017	Total solar eclipse Central United States
10/05/2017	Conjunction of Venus and Mars .2° apart in the east around dawn
10/07/2017	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/17/2017	Conjunction of Venus, Mars and Moon very close in the east around dawn
10/21/2017	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/04/2017	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/13/2017	Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter
11/17/2017	Leonids Meteor Shower
12/03/2017	Full Moon, Supermoon
12/13/2017	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2017	Ursids Meteor Shower

Astronomical Events 2018

01/02/2018	Full Moon, Supermoon
01/03/2018	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
01/06/2018	Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter .3° apart in the east around dawn
01/31/2018	Full Moon, Supermoon, Blue Moon
01/31/2018	Lunar eclipse in Western United States, Canada, Australia, Asia
03/31/2018	Full Moon, Blue Moon
04/22/2018	Lyrids Meteor Shower
05/06/2018	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
07/15/2018	Conjunction of Moon and Venus 1° apart early evening for western North America
07/27/2018	Lunar eclipse in Africa and Asia
07/28/2018	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/11/2018	Partial Solar Eclipse northeast Canada, Greenland, extreme northern Europe, and northern and eastern Asia
08/12/2018	Perseids Meteor Shower
10/08/2018	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/21/2018	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/05/2018	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/17/2018	Leonids Meteor Shower
12/13/2018	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2018	Ursids Meteor Shower

Astronomical Events 2019

01/03/2019	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
01/20/2019	Lunar eclipse in North America
01/21/2019	Full Moon, Supermoon
01/22/2019	Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in the east pre-dawn
02/19/2019	Full Moon, Supermoon
03/21/2019	Full Moon, Supermoon
04/22/2019	Lyrids Meteor Shower
05/06/2019	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
05/18/2019	Full Moon, Blue Moon
07/02/2019	Total solar eclipse Chile, Argentina, southern Pacific
07/28/2019	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/12/2019	Perseids Meteor Shower
10/08/2019	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/21/2019	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/05/2019	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/11/2019	Transit of Mercury
11/17/2019	Leonids Meteor Shower
11/24/2019	Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter 1.5° apart early evening
12/13/2019	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2019	Ursids Meteor Shower

Astronomical Events 2020

01/03/2020	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
02/09/2020	Full Moon, Supermoon
03/09/2020	Full Moon, Supermoon
03/18/2020	Conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and moon 8° apart
03/20/2020	Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter .7° apart in the east pre-dawn
03/26/2020	Conjunction of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in the east pre-dawn
04/08/2020	Full Moon, Supermoon
04/22/2020	Lyrids Meteor Shower
05/06/2020	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
05/07/2020	Full Moon, Supermoon
05/21/2020	Conjunction of Venus and Mercury 1° apart in the west before sunset
07/28/2020	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/12/2020	Perseids Meteor Shower
10/08/2020	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/21/2020	Orionids Meteor Shower
10/31/2020	Full Moon, Blue Moon
11/05/2020	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/17/2020	Leonids Meteor Shower
12/13/2020	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/14/2020	Total solar eclipse Chile, Argentina, southern Pacific, southern Atlantic
12/16/2020	Conjunction of Crescent Moon, Jupiter and Saturn in the west before sunset
12/21/2020	Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn .1° apart evening
12/21/2020	Ursids Meteor Shower

Astronomical Events 2021

01/03/2021	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
04/22/2021	Lyrids Meteor Shower
04/27/2021	Full Moon, Supermoon
05/06/2021	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
05/26/2021	Lunar eclipse in Western North America
05/26/2021	Full Moon, Supermoon
06/10/2021	Partial solar eclipse extreme north-east United States, eastern Canada
06/24/2021	Full Moon, Supermoon
07/12/2021	Conjunction of Venus and Mars in the west around sunset
07/28/2021	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/12/2021	Perseids Meteor Shower
08/22/2021	Full Moon, Blue Moon
10/08/2021	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/21/2021	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/05/2021	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/17/2021	Leonids Meteor Shower
11/19/2021	Lunar eclipse in North America
12/04/2021	Total solar eclipse Antarctica, southern Atlantic
12/13/2021	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2021	Ursids Meteor Shower

Astronomical Events 2022

01/03/2022	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
04/22/2022	Lyrids Meteor Shower
05/06/2022	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
05/16/2022	Lunar eclipse in North America
05/29/2022	Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter .5° apart pre-dawn
06/14/2022	Full Moon, Supermoon
07/13/2022	Full Moon, Supermoon
07/28/2022	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/12/2022	Perseids Meteor Shower
08/12/2022	Full Moon, Supermoon
10/08/2022	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/21/2022	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/05/2022	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/08/2022	Lunar eclipse in Western North America
11/17/2022	Leonids Meteor Shower
12/13/2022	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2022	Ursids Meteor Shower
12/29/2022	Conjunction of Venus and Mercury in the west around sunset

Astronomical Events 2023

01/03/2023	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
01/21/2023	Conjunction of Venus and Saturn in the west around sunset
03/01/2023	Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter .5° apart in the west around sunset
04/20/2023	Total solar eclipse Indonesia, Australia
04/22/2023	Lyrids Meteor Shower
05/06/2023	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
07/03/2023	Full Moon, Supermoon
07/28/2023	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/01/2023	Full Moon, Supermoon
08/12/2023	Perseids Meteor Shower
08/31/2023	Full Moon, Supermoon, Blue Moon
09/29/2023	Full Moon, Supermoon
10/08/2023	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/14/2023	Partial solar eclipse North America, predominately southwest United States
10/21/2023	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/05/2023	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/17/2023	Leonids Meteor Shower
12/13/2023	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2023	Ursids Meteor Shower

Astronomical Events 2024

01/03/2024	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
04/08/2024	Total solar eclipse large portions of the United States and Canada
04/22/2024	Lyrids Meteor Shower
05/06/2024	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
07/28/2024	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/12/2024	Perseids Meteor Shower
08/19/2024	Full Moon, Blue Moon
09/17/2024	Lunar eclipse in Eastern North America
09/18/2024	Full Moon, Supermoon
10/08/2024	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/17/2024	Full Moon, Supermoon
10/21/2024	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/05/2024	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/15/2024	Full Moon, Supermoon
11/17/2024	Leonids Meteor Shower
12/13/2024	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2024	Ursids Meteor Shower

Astronomical Events 2025

01/03/2025	Quadrantids Meteor Shower
01/18/2025	Conjunction of Venus and Saturn in the west around sunset
03/13/2025	Lunar eclipse in North America
03/29/2025	Partial solar eclipse far eastern Canada
04/22/2025	Lyrids Meteor Shower
05/06/2025	Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
07/28/2025	Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
08/12/2025	Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in the east pre-dawn
08/12/2025	Perseids Meteor Shower
09/19/2025	Conjunction of Moon, Venus and Regulus pre-dawn
10/07/2025	Full Moon, Supermoon
10/08/2025	Draconids Meteor Shower
10/21/2025	Orionids Meteor Shower
11/05/2025	Taurids Meteor Shower
11/05/2025	Full Moon, Supermoon
11/17/2025	Leonids Meteor Shower
12/04/2025	Full Moon, Supermoon
12/13/2025	Geminids Meteor Shower
12/21/2025	Ursids Meteor Shower

More Astronomical Events

2025

March 14: Worm Moon Micromoon & Total Lunar Eclipse
- Micromoon: Occurs when the full moon is at its farthest point from Earth (apogee), making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer.Star Walk+1NASA Space Place+1
- Total Lunar Eclipse: Visible in North and South America, the Moon will turn reddish for approximately 65 minutes from 2:26 to 3:31 a.m. EDT. Forbes
April 12: Pink Moon Micromoon
- Micromoon: Another micromoon, with the full moon at apogee.
- Traditional Name: Known as the Pink Moon, named after early spring blooms. Royal Museums Greenwich
May 12: Flower Moon Micromoon
- Micromoon: The third consecutive micromoon.EarthSky
- Traditional Name: Called the Flower Moon, symbolizing the abundance of flowers in May. Forbes
August 12-13: Perseid Meteor Shower
- One of the most anticipated meteor showers, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Best viewed after midnight from a dark location.
October 6: Harvest Moon Supermoon
- Supermoon: Occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee), appearing larger and brighter. This is the first supermoon of 2025.Star Walk
- Traditional Name: The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, aiding farmers with extended evening light. Forbes
November 5: Beaver Moon Supermoon
- Supermoon: The second supermoon of 2025 and the closest full moon to Earth since 2019.Forbes
- Traditional Name: Known as the Beaver Moon, marking the time to set beaver traps before winter.
December 4: Cold Moon Supermoon
- Supermoon: The third consecutive supermoon.
- Traditional Name: Called the Cold Moon, reflecting the onset of winter’s chill.

2026

May 9: Mercury Transit
- Mercury will pass directly between Earth and the Sun, appearing as a small black dot moving across the Sun’s surface. Proper solar viewing equipment is essential.
August 12-13: Perseid Meteor Shower
- The Perseids return, offering another opportunity to witness this prolific meteor shower.
October 6: Hunter’s Moon Supermoon
- Supermoon: A supermoon occurring when the full moon is at perigee.
- Traditional Name: Known as the Hunter’s Moon, historically signaling the time to hunt in preparation for winter.
December 13-14: Geminid Meteor Shower
- Consistently one of the best meteor showers, the Geminids will peak mid-December.

2027

August 12: Perseid Meteor Shower
- A favorable year for the Perseids, with minimal lunar interference.
October 6: Harvest Moon Supermoon
- Supermoon: The full moon at perigee, appearing larger and brighter.
- Traditional Name: The Harvest Moon, providing extended evening light for harvest activities.
December 14: Geminid Meteor Shower
- The Geminids will peak with excellent viewing conditions anticipated.

2028

July 26: Total Solar Eclipse
- A total solar eclipse will traverse parts of the Northern Hemisphere. While the path of totality may not pass directly over Huntsville, a partial eclipse will be observable.
August 12-13: Perseid Meteor Shower
- Another opportunity to enjoy the Perseids under dark skies.
September 20: Harvest Moon Supermoon
- Supermoon: A supermoon coinciding with the Harvest Moon, offering a particularly bright full moon.

2029

November 25: Partial Lunar Eclipse
- A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from North America, with a portion of the Moon appearing darkened.
December 13-14: Geminid Meteor Shower
- The Geminids will peak, offering a spectacular display of meteors.

2030

May 20: Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction
- Jupiter and Saturn will appear exceptionally close in the night sky, a striking sight through binoculars or a telescope.
August 12-13: Perseid Meteor Shower
- The Perseids return, providing a summer spectacle of shooting stars.
September 5: Harvest Moon Supermoon
- Supermoon: The full moon at perigee, enhancing the brightness of the Harvest Moon.

2031

September 30: Blue Moon
- Calendrical Blue Moon: The second full moon in a calendar month. Royal Museums Greenwich
December 14: Geminid Meteor Shower
- The Geminids will peak, offering bright meteors under favorable conditions.

2032

November 13: Transit of Mercury
- Description: Mercury will pass directly between Earth and the Sun, appearing as a small black dot traversing the Sun’s surface. Proper solar viewing equipment is essential for observation.

2033

October 8: Supermoon Lunar Eclipse
- Description: A total lunar eclipse coinciding with a supermoon, where the Moon is at its closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and turning a reddish hue during the eclipse.
November 17: Leonid Meteor Shower Outburst
- Description: The Leonids are expected to produce an outburst, with rates potentially reaching between 35 to 400 meteors per hour. Best viewed after midnight from a dark location. Wikipedia

2034

March 20: Total Solar Eclipse
- Description: A total solar eclipse will occur, with the path of totality crossing parts of the Earth. Observers in Huntsville may experience a partial eclipse.
September 12: Annular Solar Eclipse
- Description: An annular solar eclipse, where the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a “ring of fire” effect, will be visible in certain regions. Huntsville observers may witness a partial eclipse. Wikipedia
November 25: Supermoon
- Description: A supermoon occurs when the full Moon is at its closest approach to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

2035

January 9: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Known as the Wolf Moon, traditionally symbolizing the howling of wolves during midwinter.
February 8: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Referred to as the Snow Moon, representing the heavy snowfall typically experienced during this month.
March 9: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Called the Worm Moon, indicating the time when the ground begins to thaw and earthworms reappear.
April 8: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Known as the Pink Moon, named after early spring blooms of the moss pink flower.
May 7: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Referred to as the Flower Moon, symbolizing the abundance of flowers during May.
June 6: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Called the Strawberry Moon, marking the season of strawberry harvesting.
July 5: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Known as the Buck Moon, representing the time when male deer grow new antlers.
August 4: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Referred to as the Sturgeon Moon, named after the large fish commonly caught during this month.
September 2: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Called the Corn Moon or Harvest Moon, indicating the time for harvesting corn.
October 2: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Known as the Hunter’s Moon, traditionally signaling the time to hunt and prepare for winter.
November 1: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Referred to as the Beaver Moon, marking the time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze.
December 1: Full Moon
- Traditional Name: Called the Cold Moon, reflecting the onset of winter’s chill.
December 31: Blue Moon
- Description: The second full Moon occurring within a single calendar month, known as a Blue Moon.

For more detailed listings, see the NASA Astronomical Events page called SkyCal.

If you know of any astronomical events that are not on this astronomical events page, please use the contact form to let me know so I can add it. I will try to keep past astronomical events for reference.