2024 will bring many surprises and astronomical events that can be seen from different parts of the world. This new year you can observe meteor showers and a total solar eclipse, among other things. Find out which ones you can see from Ecuador.

January 18: Jupiter and the Moon dance together

The year begins with a striking combination of two bright neighboring worlds: the moon and Jupiter. The largest planet in the solar system will dominate the evening sky on January 18, alongside a glowing crescent moon.

April 8: A total solar eclipse passes through North America.

The solar eclipse begins at 10:38 AM, peaks at 12:17 PM and ends at 1:55 PM. However, it will only be viewable from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America. To witness this event, it is necessary to wear eye protection.

April 21: comet

A gigantic comet three times the size of Everest, called 12P/Pons-Brooks, is rapidly heading towards the inner solar system. In April, it may even be visible to the naked eye just after sunset in the western sky. On April 21, Comet Pons-Brooks will reach its closest point to the Sun and possibly reach its maximum brightness, providing one of the best chances to see it.

May 4: Eta Aquarid meteor shower

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is visible between April 19 and May 28 every year. Their observation is most favorable from places in the tropics, such as the Canary Islands, and in the Southern Hemisphere, although they can also be observed in the Northern Hemisphere. The maximum of this meteor shower will occur on May 4 around 11 p.m.

August 12 and 13: The Perseids

In 2024, the maximum of the Perseids will occur on August 12 between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, also coinciding with the first quarter of the moon, so it will not be a good year for its observation. Either way, it’s a heavy downpour, and there are usually peaks of activity outside the maximum. So on the nights around this date there were quite a few meteors visible, especially after sunset on the moon.

September 17: Saturn-moon conjunction

On September 17 and later on October 14 and 15, November 11 and December 8, the Moon and Saturn align. The event will be visible shortly after sunset.

December 4: Alignment between Venus and the Moon

December will be giving away an event called the “cosmic kiss” between Moon And Venus. The conjunction between the natural satellite and Venus will occur at sunrise December 4.

Twelve moons for this 2024

A total of 12 Full Moons will be visible in 2024. These are their dates: