Blood moon 2021: Lunar eclipse captured over Australia
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Stargazers are set for a big year of astronomical events in 2022. Throughout the coming year, people can witness a number of phenomenons taking place in the sky above.
There will be several new moon cycles to take note of, as well as an array of stunning meteor showers and two total lunar eclipses.
Here is a full list of key dates to make a note of this year.
New Moon
The New Moon is when the Sun and Moon are aligned, with the Sun and Earth on opposite sides of the Moon.
In astronomy, the new moon marks the first lunar phase.
For those who believe in astrology, the new moon phase is an introspective time that often represents new beginnings.
For stargazers, it can provide a clear opportunity to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters.
According to SeaSky’s astronomy calendar of celestial events, the key dates to look for a new moon are:
- January 2, 2022
- February 1, 2022
- March 2, 2022
- April 1, 2022
- April 30, 2022
- May 30, 2022
- June 29, 2022
- July 28, 2022
- August 27, 2022
- September 25, 2022
- October 25, 2022
- November 23, 2022
- December 23, 2022
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Meteor Showers
A meteor shower is a celestial event in which a number of meteors are seen to originate from one point in the night sky.
These meteors are caused by streams of cosmic debris called meteoroids entering Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds on parallel trajectories.
A number of meteor showers are expected to take place in 2022, though not all will be visible from earth.
They are best observed at night time under a dark sky.
Key dates to look out for include
- January 3 and 4, 2022
- April 22 and 23, 2022
- May 6 and 7, 2022
- July 28 and 29, 2022
- August 12 and 13, 2022
- October 7, 2022
- October 21 and 22, 2022
- November 4 and 5, 2022
- December 21 and 22, 2022
Total Lunar Eclipse
A total eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the full moon, blocking the Sun’s direct rays from lighting up the Moon.
Two total lunar eclipses are to take place in the new year.
Key dates include:
- May 16, 2022
- November 8, 2022
Visible Mercury
Visible Mercury is when the planet becomes brightest and easiest to spot in the night sky due to its proximity to Earth.
Often, at this time, you can see it without a telescope.
The planet Mercury reaches the greatest eastern elongation of 19.2 degrees from the Sun.
This is the best time to view the planet as it will be in its highest position above the horizon.
Mercury is best seen just after sunset in the western sky.
Key dates for visible Mercury include:
- January 7, 2022
- February 16, 2022
- June 6, 2022
- December 31, 2022
Partial solar eclipse
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers a section of the Sun.
This can usually be observed from Earth.
The Moon casts only the outer part of its shadow, the penumbra, on Earth. From our perspective, this looks like the Moon has taken a bite out of the Sun.
Key dates to look out for include:
- April 30, 2022
- October 25, 2022
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