2021 astronomy calendar: the 10 best events to watch

Science by Robin Bea Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: Feb. 1, 2021

NurPhoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images Some of 2021's early meteor showers will be washed out by the Full Moon, but things pick up in April .

Here are the astronomical events you shouldn't miss in 2021. Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty Images

1. Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower (April 19–May 28) Peaking on May 6 , this shower should produce a good show after midnight from May 6 to May 10, especially in the Southern Hemisphere . nagano_naturephotos/500Px Plus/Getty Images

2. Total Lunar Eclipse (May 26) The first total lunar eclipse since 2019 will look best from eastern Asia, Japan, Australia, and western North America. Carlos Manchego / 500px/500px/Getty Images

3. Annular Solar Eclipse (June 10) The Sun will appear as a ring of light around the Moon in parts of Russia and Canada, with a less dramatic show from the northeastern United States and Europe. Chayanan Phomsukwisit / EyeEm/EyeEm/Getty Images

4. Saturn at Opposition (August 2) Saturn will be its closest to Earth all year while facing the Sun, making this the best time to photograph or view it through a telescope . Nasa

5. Perseids Meteor Shower (July 17–August 24) A waxing crescent moon will leave the sky mostly dark for this shower, which peaks on August 12–13 and produces bright, fast meteors. Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty Images

6. Jupiter at Opposition (August 19) Jupiter's cloud bands will be visible through a telescope , and its four moons can be seen with binoculars at its closest point to Earth.

7. Draconids Meteor Shower (October 6–10) The Draconids will appear with a New Moon this year, leaving the sky dark for its peak on October 7 .

8. Taurids Meteor Shower (September 7–December 10) A New Moon will make the Taurids shower easier than usual to see this year during its peak on November 4 . bjdlzx/E+/Getty Images

9. Partial Lunar Eclipse (November 19) Though not as dramatic as May’s total eclipse , this event will be easier to catch throughout Japan, North America, Central America, and western South America. Apostoli Rossella/Moment/Getty Images

10. Geminids Meteor Shower (December 4–17) Despite a nearly Full Moon , this should be the best meteor shower of the year. The Geminids can be seen from early evening and peak on December 14. Jeff Dai/Stocktrek Images/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images

Javier Zayas Photography/Moment/Getty Images Read more astronomy stories here .

2021 astronomy calendar: the 10 best events to watch

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