What to Look For in the Dark Skies in 2023

Posted: January 7, 2023 5:04 am

It is that time of the year when stargazers check out the astronomy calendar to see what exciting events will unfold in the night skies. From a Super Blue Moon to a host of meteor showers, here is a look at the top astronomy events of the year 2023.

Jupiter and Venus in the Evening Sky – March 1

While the months of January and February will be relatively quiet in the night skies, the beginning of March will feature the two brightest planets coming together to provide a stunning sight. Venus and Jupiter will appear alongside each other in the western sky. You will find the duo shining brightly right after sunset. Venus will be slightly brighter and will be positioned to the right of Jupiter.

Hybrid Solar Eclipse – April 20

The first of two solar eclipses for the year will take place on April 20. This rare eclipse is known as a “hybrid eclipse” and will happen over the western Pacific Ocean, the southern portion of the Indian Ocean, Australia, and Indonesia. During a hybrid eclipse, a portion of the path will see a more typical annular solar eclipse with the sun still partially in front of the moon while the remaining part of the path will see a total solar eclipse and the moon completely over the sun. This night will mark the first hybrid solar eclipse since November 3, 2013. It will be November of 2031 before this happens again, speaking to the rarity of a hybrid solar eclipse.

Lyrid Meteor Shower – April 22 and 23

What better way to lean into Earth Day than by checking out the wonder in the night skies? The night of April 22 into the morning hours of April 23 will feature the first meteor shower in almost four months when the Lyrids peak. You can expect up to 20 meteors per hour with this particular shower. Because the Lyrids peak only two nights after the new moon, stargazers will also enjoy ideal viewing conditions without the worry of moonlight obstructing the views.

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will follow two weeks later, peaking on May 5. While this shower typically boasts over 50 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere and between 10 and 30 shooting stars per hour north of the equator, this year’s event will be muted because of the timing with the full moon.

Moon, Mars, and Venus Together on the Summer Solstice – June 21

The June solstice officially happens at 10:57 am EDT on June 21. Marking the shortest night of the year, the summer solstice of 2023 also features the moon, Venus, and Mars coming together close in the sky. While Venus and Mars will shine bright in close proximity throughout the month, the moon joins the party on June 21. The trio will appear together after sunset in the western sky. Given the right weather conditions, you will find these celestial bodies with the naked eye.

Perseid Meteor Shower – August 12 and 13

The Perseid meteor shower will kick off a busy month of August. Regarded as one of the best meteor showers of the year, you can expect to see up to 100 shooting stars streaking across the sky per hour on August 12 and into the early hours of August 13. Although the 2022 Perseid meteor shower was dimmed because of the presence of a super moon, onlookers can expect better viewing conditions with less natural light in 2023. The warm weather of the month also always makes it easier to head outside and see what the Perseids have to offer.

Saturn Opposition – August 27

Saturn will reach peak opposition on August 27, meaning that this is the best night to see the ringed planet as its orbit comes the closest to Earth. You will be able to spot the bright planet any time during the last half of the month and the first half of September, however, August 27 will be its closest approach. A telescope will be helpful if you want to see the rings that encircle Saturn.

Super Blue Moon – August 30

The month of August will wrap up with the Super Blue Moon. This particular full moon will rise on August 30, giving the month two full moons to crow about. August 2023 will mark the first time that two full moons appeared in one calendar month since October of 2020.

Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse – October 14

Avid astronomers currently have October 14 circled in their calendars as the biggest date of the year. This is when the sun, moon, and Earth will come together to deliver an annular solar eclipse, known by experts as a Ring of Fire eclipse. Because the moon does not entirely block the sun, a halo of light will encircle the moon during the much-anticipated event. Most everyone in North America will be able to view a partial solar eclipse on this day, however, you will need to be positioned in a narrow area stretching from southern portions of Oregon through southern Texas to see the full solar eclipse. Be sure to have proper eclipse glasses ready to view this majesty.

Jupiter Opposition – November 3

Jupiter will also get a chance to reach opposition on November 3. Like the Saturn opposition that is set to happen at the end of August, Jupiter will also shine opposite of the sun when looking from Earth. You will find Jupiter throughout the night, shining brighter than any other star in the sky. Although you will be able to spot the planet without a telescope, a specialty device will bring in focus its four large moons and colorful clouds that hover in its atmosphere.

Geminid Meteor Shower – December 13 and 14

The year will wrap up with a bang with the Geminid meteor shower. This meteor shower may feature up to 100 meteors per hour on December 13 and into December 14. Although you will likely have to bundle up to catch this spectacle, it may be worth the effort. In addition to the high volume of shooting stars, the 2023 event will also be devoid of light from the moon, making the meteors easier to spot.

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