The universe has some exciting events this 2023 that space enthusiasts can look forward to. According to Littleton Independent, here are some of the astronomical events to await in 2023.
Quadrantids Meteor Shower (January 3-4)
While it is easier to catch a glimpse of this sight all the way from the Northern Hemisphere, 2023's first full moon will reduce the odds of seeing the view in its complete glory. Littleton Independent reports how the best chances of seeing it would be briefly before dawn on January 4.
Mercury at the Greatest Western Elongation (January 30, May 29, September 22)
Tucson reports how planets stationed in closest proximity to the sun are the most difficult to see. Mercury can be looked for when its ellipse orbit moves it closer or farther from the hypergiant of the solar system. This makes the planet at its strongest elongations. When Mercury shows up at the sun's west, it can be seen as a sparkly yellow dot during dawn.
Mercury at the Greatest Eastern Elongation (April 11, August 10, December 4)
When the planet is stationed at the greatest eastern elongation, it sits in closer proximity to earth and is at the farthest angular point starting from the sun. The sight may be hard to catch with the naked eye. However, it can be spotted with the help of a telescope before dusk arrives.
Hybrid Solar Eclipse (April 20)
Sea and Sky notes how such a hybrid solar eclipse takes place when the moon and earth are in close proximity and end up blocking the sun completely. Such an eclipse may appear as a total eclipse across certain areas around the world and may seem annular for some. The path of the eclipse will start at the South Indian Ocean and route through West Australia and South Indonesia. A partial eclipse can be viewed throughout the majority of Australia and Indonesia.
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower (May 6-7)
Compared to other showers, the Eta Aquarids are above average. They have the capacity to peak at 60 meteors each hour. The majority of activity can be spotted across the Southern Hemisphere. In the northern counterpart, its rate can reach up to 30 meteors each hour. While the shower annually takes place from April 19 up to May 28, its peak in 2023 will be by May 6 evening and May 7 morning.
Perseids Meteor Shower (August 12-13)
The Perseids is another meteor shower worth watching, as it can come up with up to 60 meteors each hour. They are known to come up with many bright meteors. While the shower takes place from July 17 up to August 24, its peak will be on August 12 evening and August 13 morning.
Annular Solar Eclipse (October 14)
Annular solar eclipses take place when the moon is too distant from the earth to entirely cover the sun. This leads to a light ring surrounding the moon that is darkened. The corona of the sun cannot be seen during an annular solar eclipse. This eclipse is set to start in the Pacific Ocean and move through the southwest US and central America, Columbia, and Brazil.
Geminids Meteor Shower (December 13-14)
Sea and Sky notes how the Geminids is thought to be the heaven's best showers because it can come up with 120 different colored meteors each hour when it is at its peak. Such meteors come from leftover debris of the 3200 Phaethon asteroid that was found in 1982. This shower annually runs from December 7 up to 17. Its peak in 2023 will be from December 13 evening up to December 14 morning.
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