Discover the cosmic wonders coming our way before 2034! From eclipses to meteor showers, get ready to be amazed. Read on!
Namaste, stargazers! Dust off your telescopes and get ready to witness some truly
stunning celestial events over the next ten years. From rare eclipses painting the sky to meteor showers that will leave you breathless, the cosmos has some special shows lined up.
Forget your daily dose of saas-bahu sagas, the real drama is unfolding above us! So, grab a cup of chai, find a dark spot away from the city's light pollution, and prepare to be amazed by these uncommon events.
We're talking about stuff you won't see every day, things that make you feel small and connected to the vast universe at the same time. Think of it as cosmic Diwali – only instead of firecrackers, you get shooting stars!
Now, let's dive into the list of events you absolutely mustn't miss, dates marked in your diary, reminders set on your phone, the whole shebang. Get ready for some 'oohs' and 'aahs'!
The Great American Eclipse (But Visible From Parts of India!): 2033
Okay, so the main action is happening in America, but hear me out. In 2033 (specifically, around March), while the United States experiences a total solar eclipse, a partial eclipse will be visible across parts of India, particularly in the northeastern regions.
Now, a partial eclipse isn't as dramatic as a total one where the sun disappears completely, turning day into a twilight zone kinda thing. But still, seeing a chunk of the sun seemingly bitten off by the moon is quite a sight.
It's a gentle reminder of the cosmic dance happening above us all the time, even when we're busy chai-ing. Remember to use proper solar viewing glasses! Looking directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, is a big no-no. Your eyes will thank you later.
Think welding glasses (the dark kind, obviously) or special eclipse viewers. Don't risk it, guys, your eyesight is precious. This is not something you want to miss. The northeast part can have chances of experiencing it!
The Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Peak: Every May
Alright, this one visits us every year, but it's consistently fantastic and deserves a spot on the list. The Eta Aquariids meteor shower peaks around early May, and while the moon can sometimes spoil the show, under dark skies, you can see dozens of meteors streaking across the sky per hour.
They originate from the dust and debris left behind by the famous Comet Halley, which last visited our inner solar system in 1986. So, when you spot an Eta Aquariid meteor, you're basically seeing a tiny piece of Halley's Comet burning up in our atmosphere. Cool, right?
The best time to watch is in the pre-dawn hours, when the radiant point (the area of the sky where the meteors appear to originate from) is high in the sky. Find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon and prepared to be mesmerized.
Pack a blanket, some snacks, and maybe a thermos of masala chai, and make it a stargazing party with your friends and family. Also avoid watching under city lights. Instead try to find countryside area.
Venus Occultation by the Moon: Variable Occurence!
An occultation happens when one celestial body passes in front of another, from our perspective on Earth. A Venus occultation by the Moon is relatively uncommon and always beautiful.
The bright planet Venus seeming to disappear behind the moon, only to reappear on the other side, is a sight to behold. Predicting the exact dates and visibility from India requires keeping an eye on astronomical calendars because they vary based on location and time of the month.
Several websites have data pertaining to astronomical events happening arounds us. Look for these events. Its like the moon is playing peek-a-boo with Venus, one planet playing hide and seek with the other. Think of these events like nature gives us free entertainment so we are free from the world.
This type of occultation is mostly seen in the western skies.
Opposition of Mars: Variable Occurence!
Mars, the red planet, makes a relatively close approach to Earth in its orbit. When Mars is at "opposition," it means Earth is directly between the Sun and Mars. This makes Mars appear brighter and larger in the night sky than at any other time.
While Mars oppositions happen roughly every two years, the closest and brightest oppositions are less frequent, and usually are a sight to behold. Keep an eye on astronomical data for more details. This is the best time to view Mars through a telescope, even a small one.
You can often make out surface details like the polar ice caps and darker markings on the planet's surface. And who knows, maybe you'll even catch a glimpse of a dust storm raging across the Martian landscape. Opposition offers the biggest view of Mars.
Supermoons Galore: Almost every year!
While "supermoons" have become quite trendy, they're still events that are worth noting. A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its orbit (perigee). This makes the moon appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
It is just a slightly bigger and brighter version of our regular moon. While the difference might not be dramatically noticeable to the naked eye, it's still a cool phenomenon to observe. Take some pictures, bask in the moonlight, and appreciate the beauty of our nearest celestial neighbor.
Supermoons often get a lot of hype, but they are nice and can still enhance some other nights. They appear bigger because it is in the closest approach in its orbit.
Jupiter and Saturn Conjunction, 2033 (Close but not like 2020): 2033
Remember the "Great Conjunction" of Jupiter and Saturn in December 2020, when the two planets appeared incredibly close together in the sky? Well, while not as close as that historic event, another conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn will occur in 2033.
While they won't appear as a single "star" like in 2020, they'll still be relatively close together, making for a beautiful sight through binoculars or a small telescope. Conjunctions are like celestial high-fives. Two planets seemingly passing each other in the cosmic arena.
A conjunction indicates planet are close to each other.
Transit of Mercury: Rare Opportunity! (Variable occurence)
This is where you will get to see a view of mercury across the sun. This can be a beautiful sight to behold. Transit of mercury is not a common event, however, it is recommended to watch out for data on that event. Always remember to use solar viewing glasses to view this event.
There are some celestial events that are rare and those are ones you want to keep and eye out for. Its always good to keep up to date on celestial events happening around us so we are well prepared.
