Buckel up astronomy enthusiast, because 2024 promises to be a roller coaster ride. From dazzling meteor showers lighting up the sky to spooky eclipses, 2024 is packed with astronomical events that will leave you COSMO-struck. Mark your calendars, collect star charts & sky maps, and dust off your binoculars and telescopes because the universe is about to showcase the most amazing side you don’t want to miss.
Here are some of the most amazing astronomical events in 2024:
- 3rd – 4th January- Quadrantid Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids is considered one of the best annual meteor showers producing 50 – 70 meteors per hour. Unlike most meteor showers originating from comets, the Quadrantids originate from an asteroid named “2003 EH1”. The meteor shower radiant lies in today’s modern-day constellation Bootes and is known for its fast dazzling bright fireballs. With the last quarter moon rising post-midnight this year, the conditions to observe the shower are not good because of the bright moonlight. But keep an eye out for the bright meteors. Find a location with minimal or no light pollution and just lie on your back to enjoy the bright dazzling fireballs of Quadrantids Shower.

- 20th March- Spring Equinox
The year Spring equinox falls on 20th March. This is also the first spring day (spring equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first fall day (fall equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the time when the Sun passes through the Earth’s equator trespassing from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, dividing the day and night roughly 12 hours each. So it’s the perfect time to photograph the zodiacal light. In addition to this, people in the Arctic regions experience more frequent Aurors during the equinox exhibiting different colors than the usual bright green!
- 25th March- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves through the faint, outer part of Earth’s shadow, the penumbra. The penumbral lunar eclipse is visible throughout North America, South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Antarctica, and some parts of Africa, Australia, Europe, and North/East Asia.
- 8th April- Total Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when a portion of the Sun is swallowed by the Moon casting a shadow on the Earth. During the total solar eclipse, one can observe the Sun’s outer atmosphere known as the “corona”, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. The total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
A partial eclipse will be visible in nearly all parts of the North American continent and a small part of the western European continent. Use solar eclipse glasses while observing the eclipse and if you are planning to capture the solar eclipse do not forget your solar filter to protect your lenses from the harmful rays of the Sun.

- 5th May- Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower
The Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower will put on a spectacular celestial display on 5th May producing 50 – 60 meteors per hour. The shower originates from the debris left by the comet “Halley”. The meteor shower is visible from both hemispheres but the southern hemisphere offers the best view of the amazing spectacle of the raging fireballs. Moreover, the Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower coincides with the new moon, this will give you a chance to catch even the faintest of fireballs.
- 20th June- June Solstice
The June solstice is also known as the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest day in the southern hemisphere. During the June solstice, the Sun passes through the tropic of cancer and heads for the southward journey.

- 30th July- Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquariid meteor shower will peak on the night of 30th July, producing 20 – 30 meteors per hour. The shower originates from the leftover debris of comet 96P/Machholz. With the waning crescent moon rising in the early morning twilight you will be able to enjoy a meteor shower. Also, keep an eye out for the celestial grouping of the crescent Moon, Jupiter, and Mars during the daybreak on 31st July.
- 12th August- Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower is the most stupendous meteor shower happening annually between mid-July and late August. It’s known for its fast, bright meteors, with rates of up to 130+ meteors per hour at its peak. This year the shower peaks on the 12th of August, when the Earth passes through the densest part of the debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. With the first quarter moon setting early around midnight you can enjoy the full celestial show, catching even the faintest of meteor streaks.

- 8th September- Saturn at Opposition
During opposition Saturn will rise in the east and will be visible all night. This is the best time to photograph the ringed planet as it will be directly opposite the Sun shining brighter than any other day.
- 18th September- Partial Lunar Eclipse
The second lunar eclipse of the year, where the moon’s surface will be partially tinted with a red hue. The partial lunar eclipse occurs when the moon slightly slides into the darker shadowed area of the Earth. The eclipse will be visible across much of the globe, including, Africa, North and South America, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and parts of Asia, Australia, and Europe.
- 21st September- Neptune at Opposition
Neptune will be directly opposite to the sun shining brightly in the night sky like any other stars in the sky. Through a small telescope, you can view the blue tint of the planet distinguished from other stars in the sky.
- 22nd September – Fall Equinox
The year Fall equinox falls on 22nd September. This is also the first fall day (fall equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first spring day (spring equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the time when the Sun passes through the Earth’s equator trespassing from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere, dividing the day and night roughly 12 hours each.
- 2nd October- Annular Solar Eclipse
The second solar eclipse of the year, an annular solar eclipse will grace the sky with a stunning “ring of fire” display. The eclipse will be visible from the remote Pacific waters and partial glimpses of parts of South America, Hawaii, and Antarctica. Witness the sun’s center eclipsed by the moon, creating a twilight glow and leaving only its fiery edge visible. Remember, viewing the sun directly, even during an eclipse, is dangerous; use eclipse glasses for eye protection.

- 21st October- Orinids Meteor Shower
The Orionid meteor shower peaks on the 21st of October, offering a dazzling display of shooting stars streaking from the constellation Orion. Witness up to 20 meteors per hour, some leaving glowing trails. Escape city lights and find a dark spot with a clear eastern horizon for the best view after midnight. Bundle up, bring hot chocolate, and prepare to be mesmerized by the universe’s fireworks!
- 17th November- Uranus at Opposition
Neptune will be directly opposite to the sun shining brightly in the night sky like any other stars in the sky. Through a small telescope, you can view the greenish-blue tint of methane gases present on the planet.
- 18th November- Leonids Meteor Shower 2024
The Leonids meteor shower peaks on the night of November 18th, with fiery streaks radiating from the constellation Leo. The meteor shower originates from the trail of debris left by the comet ‘Tempel-Tuttle’. A waning moon dims the show, but dark skies offer the best view. Escape city lights, find an eastern horizon vantage point, and watch Leo climb higher for optimal viewing until dawn. Bundle up with cameras, tripods, and some warm clothes, and be mesmerized by the Leonids’ celestial dance!
- 7th December- Jupiter at Opposition
On December 7th the king of planets Jupiter will reach the opposition bringing the planet closer to the Earth than usual and making it brighter and larger in the night sky than any other time of the year. Get a small telescope to view its Great Red Spot and the brightest Jovian Moons.

- 13th December- Geminids Meteor Shower 2024
One of the best meteor showers of the year, the Geminids exhibits its extravaganza producing 100 to 120 meteors per hour. The meteor shower originates from the debris trails left by the asteroid named 3200 Patheon. The meteor shower is best seen around 2 a.m. local time because its radiant point – the point in our sky from which the meteors seem to radiate – is highest in the sky.
Generally, the higher the constellation Gemini the Twins climbs into the sky, the more bright meteors you’re likely to see. With the waxing gibbous moon into play, you can witness some of the most bright dazzling fireballs. Find a location with minimal or no light pollution and just lie on your back to enjoy the Geminids in its full glory.
- 21st December- December Solstice
The December solstice is also known as the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the longest day in the southern hemisphere. During the December solstice, the Sun passes through the tropic of Capricorn and heads for the northward journey.
So mark your calendars for witnessing some of the most amazing astronomical events of 2024 that will leave you awe-struck and keep an eye out for the monthly astronomical event blogs on our page for more detailed information of the celestial events.
Till then Happy Stargazing!!