Best Cosmic Events To Witness In North America: 2023 Edition
Nothing beats star-gazing as the perfect excuse to stay out late and snuggle up with a cozy blanket. It’s a perfect activity to try solo, with a group of buddies, or with a certain special someone. This year there are some beautiful and notable cosmic events visible from North America that make for the perfect excuse to grab that thermos and hit the road in search of clear skies. Here are a few prime events:
Total Lunar Eclipse
This spring in mid-March there will be a total lunar eclipse that will be visible from most of North America. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon and causing it to turn a reddish-brown color. These are one of the easiest cosmic events to witness since no special equipment is required for viewing – just grab a blanket, a warm beverage, and a comfortable chair since the eclipse can take a couple hours to pass through.
When | March 14-15, 2023
Where to View | most of North America
The Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs in late summer, and it is one of the most popular meteor showers of the year. This year, the Perseid meteor shower will peak on the night of August 12-13, and it will be visible throughout North America. This year should lend a particularly good viewing experience since the moon will be only slightly illuminated.
When | August 12-13, 2023
Where to View | most of North America
Total Solar Eclipse
This fall, there will be a total solar eclipse that will create a “ring of fire” in the sky from Oregon to Texas. Almost all of the contiguous USA can see at least a partial solar eclipse, but the best viewings according to NASA will be from parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth and blocking out the Sun's light. Just be sure to take precaution to protect your eyes when observing this event to ensure a safe viewing experience.
When | October 14, 2023
Where to View | most of contiguous USA
Geminid Meteor Shower
The Geminid meteor shower is an astonishing annual event that occurs in December and is known for producing a high number of bright meteors. Uniquely, this meteor shower is caused by an asteroid (most are caused by comets). This year, the Geminid meteor shower will peak on the night of December 13-14 and will be visible from most of North America. The best time for viewing is around 2 am according to EarthSky.
When | December 13-14, 2023
Where to View | most of North America