ORLANDO, Fla. – 2024 will be jam-packed full of astronomical events worthy of making plans for. Most of the events on this list won’t even require a telescope!
Here are the top 5, of many, reasons to look up in 2024.
5. Partial Lunar Eclipse
There are two lunar eclipses in 2024, but both will not provide us with the blood moon appearance of a total lunar eclipse.
On March 25, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, when the moon passes through the outer shadow of the earth. These eclipses are barley noticeable.
On Sept. 18, there will be another lunar eclipse, this time a partial one.
While the moon still won’t turn red like in a total lunar eclipse, you will notice the moon get darker as it passes through Earth’s main shadow, umbra, covers part of the moon.
4. Planets align with the moon
On the morning of June 29, three planets will align with the moon.
Look toward the eastern sky and find Jupiter, lowest on the horizon, Mars, just up and to the right, the moon and lastly Saturn at the top.
Jupiter will be the brightest of the three planets.
3. The ‘Devil Comet’ returns
By mid-to-late March, all eyes will be on Comet Pons-Brooks, nicknamed the “Devil Comet.” Last visible in 1954, this comet gets its nickname for its look that resembles devil horns.
Like the more spectacular and famous Halley’s Comet, Comet Pons-Brooks is a short-period comet returning every 71 years. At the very least, this should be visible with binoculars or a telescope in the west-northwest evening sky through the middle of April.
This will be hanging out near Jupiter.
This comet has a history of unexpected bursts and could end up being visible to the unaided eye.
Viewing of this possible naked-eye comet will coincide with the top spot on this list.
2. Newly-discovered comet
Newly-discovered Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS could put on a show later this fall. Emphasis on the could.
There are a lot of unknowns with this comet as it has never been viewed before in recorded history. It is believed to take approximately 80,000 years to orbit the sun. We’ll be looking toward the middle of October for the comet to potentially become visible in the evening sky.
This is one we will for sure be following throughout the year.
1. Great American Eclipse 2.0
Here we go. The granddaddy of all astronomical events takes center stage April 8.
For Central Florida, this will be a partial solar eclipse, so those specialized glasses or viewing devices will be needed through the duration of the show. From Central Florida’s vantage point, it will look a lot like it did in 2023 and 2017.
In totality, when the moon completely covers up from Mexico through Texas and Illinois and parts of Southern Canada, darkness will fall during the daytime.
It is not recommended to try and view Comet Pons Brooks during the eclipse as it will be near the sun. Viewing the sun without protective gear could lead to permanent eye damage.
If you’re wondering, Central Florida will experience the awe of a total solar eclipse in 2045.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: