The 2024 Primer

Happy New Year! 2024 has lots of exciting astronomy opportunities for your enjoyment. Here is a preview for the upcoming year.

First, the latest sunrise of the year happens January 7 at around 7:34 a.m. The Sun will not rise before 7 a.m. until February 25.

The first of the year brings a much hyped but dull meteor shower called the Quadrantids. As usual, the best meteor showers will be the Perseids around August 12, the Leonids around November 17, and the Geminids around December 13.

The Moon is not a factor for early morning viewing of the Perseid meteors. The bright Moon is in the sky for the Leonids and the Geminids.

The biggest event of the year is the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. This eclipse is not a total eclipse for us. It is about 85% covered so special eclipse glasses or viewing systems are required. The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club will likely have observing set up at Catawba Science Center.

There are very weak partial lunar eclipses on March 24-25 and September 18. Neither of these eclipses is worth your time and effort. The September 18 full Moon is a ‘supermoon’ as is the October

17 full Moon.

The Lucile Miller Observatory and The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club have monthly viewing and program opportunities each month. The observatory at Maiden Middle School is always open the first and third Friday each month at dusk, rain or shine.

We expect to participate in several major outreach events this year. First up is BoBfest, the Regional Gathering of Amateur Astronomers on January 27 at Catawba Science Center. We plan to be at Barnes and Noble in Hickory for National Astronomy Days on May 18 and October 9.

Look for observing events at Lake James State Park Paddy’s Creek Area each month in the warm season. We will participate at National Night Out on October 1 in Conover.

We will keep you informed with details about these and other events, as they get closer. Please visit us at our public outreach events!

Visit www.catawbasky.org for more information.