Astronomy Calendar — Upcoming Events
Check out the dates and times for astronomical events like equinoxes, solstices, meteor showers, eclipses, supermoons, and more.
Astronomical Events in 2021
Dec 13/14: Geminid Meteors
![Illustration image](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/geminids.jpg?1)
One of the best meteor showers of the year, the Geminids peak on the night of December 13 and early morning hours of December 14, 2021, but will be visible from December 4-20.
![Moonrise over alpine peaks in Utah.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/cold-moon.jpg?1)
Dec 19: Micro Full Moon / Cold Moon
The 2021 December Full Moon is a Micromoon—it occurs when the Moon is closest to its apogee. One of the traditional names for the Full Moon in December is Cold Moon.
Dec 21: December Solstice
![December solstice illustration December solstice illustration](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/december-solstice-dark.png?1)
The December solstice will take place at 15:59 UTC. Also known as the winter solstice, it is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year and is called the summer solstice.
Dec 22/23: Ursid Meteors
![Dark sky with tree silhouette and shooting stars.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/shooting-stars-meteor-shower.jpg?1)
Catch the shooting stars of the last major meteor shower of the year, the Ursids, when it peaks between the night of December 22 and 23, 2021.
Astronomical Events in 2022
Jan 2: Super New Moon
![New Moon Phase Illustration of the Moon's position in space in relation to Earth and the Sun at New Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/new-moon-phase.png?1)
The Moon will come between the Sun and the Earth, and the illuminated side of the Moon will face away from the Earth. This New Moon takes place close to its perigee, when it's closest to the Earth, making it a Super Moon.
Jan 3/4: Quadrantids Meteors
![The Quadrantids are an annual meteor shower. Image of a meteor from the Quadrantids.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/quadrantids.jpg?1)
The first major meteor shower of 2022, the Quadrantids, peaks on the night of January 3 and early morning hours of January 4.
Jan 4: Earth's Perihelion
![Sun Distances; Perihelion, Aphelion Diagram showing the distance between the Sun and Earth at different times of the year (perihelion and aphelion).](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/sun-distances.png?1)
At 06:52 UTC, the Earth will reach its perihelion—the point on its orbit closest to the Sun.
Jan 7: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
![Planet Mercury in detail](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-1130781920.jpg?1)
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
Jan 17: Wolf Moon
![A howling lone gray wolf in snow-covered landscape.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/howling-wolf-snow.jpg?1)
The first Full Moon of the year is colloquially known as Wolf Moon in many northern cultures. A Full Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth.
Feb 1: New Moon
![New Moon Phase Illustration of the Moon's position in space in relation to Earth and the Sun at New Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/new-moon-phase.png?1)
Take advantage of the New Moon to check out the night sky, weather permitting, of course.
Feb 16: Snow Moon
![Moon rising over snowy mountains.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/snow-moon.jpg?1)
February's Full Moon is also known as Snow Moon in many Northern Hemisphere cultures.
Feb 16: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
![Planet Mercury in detail](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-1130781920.jpg?1)
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the morning sky.
March 2: New Moon
![A New Moon night is a good time to star gaze. Starry night sky over the mountain city in the fog](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/starry-night-sky.jpg?1)
Dark nights a few days before and after the Moon reaches its New Moon phase at 17:34 UTC on March 2 are the best nights to do some night sky watching.
March 18: Worm Moon
![A spring robin pulling out a worm.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/worm-moon.jpg?1)
The Full Moon in March is traditionally called Worm Moon, after earthworms that tend to appear around this time in many locations in the Northern Hemisphere.
March 20: March Equinox
![Snowdrops growing up trough the snow.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/snowdrops-snow-spring.jpg?1)
The March equinox is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of fall in the Southern Hemisphere, by astronomical definitions.
Mar 20: Venus at Greatest Elongation West
![Venus captured by NASA's Mariner 10 spacecraft](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/4319.jpg?1)
Venus shines brightly as the “morning star,” appearing at its farthest distance from the Sun.
April 1: Global Astronomy Month
![Three people gaze at the night sky.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-505409706-cropped.jpg?1)
We’re proud to support Global Astronomy Month. Led by Astronomers Without Borders, a non-profit organization, the month-long event encourages people to share the sky.
April 1: New Moon
![A lunar month in around 29.5 days long and encompases all eight Moon phases starting with New to Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Illustration of the eight phases of the Moon with an arrow showing the order they appear in, seen from Earth.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/moon-phases-explained.png?1)
April 4/5: Earthshine Nights
![Crescent Moon with dark blue sky in the background. The unlit part of the Moon has a dim glow. Bright star shines to the left of the Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/earthshine.jpg?1)
The Waxing and Waning Crescent Moon phases in April and May are the best time to see earthshine, where the unlit part of the Moon becomes visible. It is also known as Da Vinci glow.
April 16: Pink Moon
![Pink wild ground phlox are a native flower to North America.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/pink-wild-phlox.jpg?1)
April's Full Moon is traditionally known as the Pink Full Moon.
April 22/23: Lyrid Meteor Shower
![Dark and starry night sky with shooting star.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/meteor-sky-cosmic-events.jpg?1)
The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak around April 22 and 23, depending on your location.
April 26/27: Earthshine Nights
![Crescent Moon with dark blue sky in the background. The unlit part of the Moon has a dim glow. Bright star shines to the left of the Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/earthshine.jpg?1)
The Waxing and Waning Crescent Moon phases in April and May are the best time to see earthshine, where the unlit part of the Moon becomes visible. It is also known as Da Vinci glow.
Apr 29: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
![Planet Mercury in detail](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-1130781920.jpg?1)
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
April 30: Partial Solar Eclipse
![A partial solar eclipse, shortly after sunrise.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/partial-solar-eclipse-sunrise.jpg?1)
The first eclipse of 2022 is a partial solar eclipse visible from southern South America, parts of Antarctica, and over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
April 30: New Moon / Black Moon
![A lunar month in around 29.5 days long and encompases all eight Moon phases starting with New to Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Illustration of the eight phases of the Moon with an arrow showing the order they appear in, seen from Earth.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/moon-phases-explained.png?1)
The second New Moon in single calendar month is known as a Black Moon.
May 3/4: Earthshine Nights
![Crescent Moon with dark blue sky in the background. The unlit part of the Moon has a dim glow. Bright star shines to the left of the Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/earthshine.jpg?1)
The Waxing and Waning Crescent Moon phases in April and May are the best time to see earthshine, where the unlit part of the Moon becomes visible. It is also known as Da Vinci glow.
May 5/6: Eta Aquarid Meteors
![Eta-aquarids Meteor Shower Eta-aquarids Meteor Shower](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/eta-aquarids-01.png?1)
Use our handy Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map to increase your chances of seeing shooting stars from the Eta Aquarids.
May 16: Total Lunar Eclipse
![Detailed image of a totally eclipsed moon, known as a Blood Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/blood-moon-photography.jpg?1)
This total lunar eclipse of the Flower Moon will be visible from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
May 16: Flower Moon
![Night sky with a Full Moon behind flowering plants. Full Moon behind blooming flowers.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/full-moon-flower.jpg?1)
May's Full Moon is known as the Flower Moon after all the flowers that bloom around this time in the Northern Hemisphere.
May 30: New Moon
![New Moon Phase Illustration of the Moon's position in space in relation to Earth and the Sun at New Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/new-moon-phase.png?1)
Tonight's a good time to do some star and planet gazing! A New Moon means dark skies and plenty of opportunities to look for planets and stars.
June 14: Strawberry Moon
![Paddleboarders below the strawberry moon at Barceloneta beach, Barcelona, Spain.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/strawberry-full-moon.jpg?1)
June's Full Moon is often called the Strawberry Full Moon, after the berries that grow in the Northern Hemisphere around this time of the year. In 2022, it is also a Supermoon.
Jun 16: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
![Planet Mercury in detail](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-1130781920.jpg?1)
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the morning sky.
June 21: June Solstice
![The June Solstice is considered as the beginning of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. People around the world converge at the Stonehenge, England to celebrate the June Solstice.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/june-solstice-stonehenge-cosmic-events.jpg?1)
This solstice is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is the longest day of the year.
In the Southern Hemisphere, it's the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year.
June 29: New Moon
![New Moon Phase Illustration of the Moon's position in space in relation to Earth and the Sun at New Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/new-moon-phase.png?1)
Make the most of a moonlight-free night to look for some stars and planets in the skies. This month's New Moon is also a Micromoon.
Jul 4: Earth's Aphelion
![Sun Distances; Perihelion, Aphelion Diagram showing the distance between the Sun and Earth at different times of the year (perihelion and aphelion).](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/sun-distances.png?1)
At 07:10 UTC, the Earth will reach its aphelion—the point on its orbit farthest from the Sun.
July 13: Buck Moon
![A herd of mule deer standing in tall grass in front of a blurry Full Moon.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/deer-full-moon.jpg?1)
July's Full Moon is known as the Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, and Wort Moon. The Buck Moon for 2022 is also a Supermoon.
Jul 28: New Moon
![A New Moon night is a good time to star gaze. Starry night sky over the mountain city in the fog](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/starry-night-sky.jpg?1)
The New Moon phase is the best time to explore the night sky. Find planets, stars, and constellations using our Interactive Night Sky Map!
Aug 12: Sturgeon Moon
![A woman goes for a stand up paddleboard trip at night under a full moon on a small lake in Ontario, Canada.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/full-moon-lake-reflection-sup.jpg?1)
August's Full Moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon. Other names include the Green Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Fruit Moon, and Grain Moon.
Aug 12/13: Perseid Meteors
![Illustration image](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/perseid-map.jpg?1)
The Perseid meteor shower is usually one of the most active and brightest meteor showers of the year. Alas, in 2022 the peak nights are around the time of Full Moon, which means many meteors will be lost in its bright glare.
Aug 14: Saturn at Opposition
![A mosaic of Saturn made up of images taken by the Cassini spacecraft in October 2016.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/saturn-rings-cassini.jpg?1)
The ringed planet, Saturn, lies on the opposite side of Earth to the Sun, and is visible from sunset to sunrise.
August 27: New Moon
![A New Moon night is a good time to star gaze. Starry night sky over the mountain city in the fog](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/starry-night-sky.jpg?1)
Dark nights a few days before and after the Moon reaches its New Moon phase at 08:17 UTC on August 27 are the best nights to do some night sky watching.
Aug 27: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
![Planet Mercury in detail](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-1130781920.jpg?1)
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
Sep 10: Harvest Moon
![A Full Moon shines over a field of corn ready to be harvested. Dark blue night sky in the background.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/full-moon-in-corn-field.jpg?1)
In many Native American cultures, September's Full Moon is called the Full Corn Moon. This year, it is also the Full Moon closest to the September equinox, making it 2022's Harvest Moon as well.
Sep 23: September Equinox
![September equinox illustration illustration of Earth's position in relation to the Sun's rays at the September equinox](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/september-equinox-dark.png?1)
Also known as the autumnal (fall) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the September Equinox is considered by many as the first day of fall.
Sep 25: New Moon
![Camping in the mountains and star gazing. Couple sitting outside their camp in the mountains under a starry night sky.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/dark-starry-night.jpg?1)
A New Moon in the sky means no moonlight to hinder your view of stars and planets. Use the Interactive Night Sky Map to find out what planets are visible tonight and where.
Sep 26: Jupiter at Opposition
![Jupiter and its moon Europa, as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope on August 25, 2020](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/jupiter.jpg?1)
The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter, lies opposite the Sun in the sky, and is visible all night.
Oct 8: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
![Planet Mercury in detail](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-1130781920.jpg?1)
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the morning sky.
![Illustration image](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/draconid1.jpg?1)
Oct 8/9: Draconid Meteor Shower
The best time to see the shooting stars of the peaking Draconids is just after nightfall.
Oct 9: Hunter's Moon
![Deer in a grassy field at dawn.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/hunters-moon.jpg?1)
The October Full Moon is traditionally called the Hunter's Moon. October is a time to start preparing for the coming winter by hunting or slaughtering animals and preserving meat.
Oct 21/22: Orionid Meteor Shower
![Orionids meteor shower Orionids meteor shower](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/orionids-01.png?1)
The Orionids are the second meteor shower in October. The shower peaks on October 21-22 but usually remains active between October 2 and November 7. The best time to see these shooting stars is just after midnight and before the Sun rises.
![A partial solar eclipse](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/partial-solar-eclipse-aug-2018.jpg?1)
Oct 25: Partial Solar Eclipse
This eclipse will be visible from most of Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and western parts of Asia—if the weather permits.
Oct 25: New Moon
![A New Moon night is a good time to star gaze. Starry night sky over the mountain city in the fog](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/starry-night-sky.jpg?1)
The New Moon phase is the best time to explore the night sky. Find planets, stars, and constellations using our Interactive Night Sky Map!
Nov 7/8: Total Lunar Eclipse
![A partially eclipsed Moon in the night sky. A little over half of the Moon is covered by a reddish shade.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/partial-lunar-eclipse-cropped.jpg?1)
The entire Moon will plunge into the Earth's umbra, the central, dark portion of its shadow. This total lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America, Australia, Asia, and parts of Europe.
![A swimming beaver.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/beaver-moon.jpg?1)
Nov 8: Full Moon / Beaver Moon
November's Full Moon is traditionally called a Beaver Moon, after beavers that build their dams during this time of the year.
Nov 17/18: Leonid Meteor Shower
![Illustration image](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/meteor-shower-2.jpg?1)
The Leonids' shooting stars are visible between November 6 and 30, and peak on the night of November 17 and early morning of November 18, with up to 15 meteors per hour.
Nov 23: New Moon
![A New Moon night is a good time to star gaze. Starry night sky over the mountain city in the fog](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/starry-night-sky.jpg?1)
The New Moon phase is the best time to explore the night sky. Find planets, stars, and constellations using our Interactive Night Sky Map!
Dec 8: Mars at Opposition
![A view of the planet Mars.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/mars.jpg?1)
At opposition, Mars lies on the opposite side of Earth to the Sun, and shines red in the sky all night.
![Moonrise over alpine peaks in Utah.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/cold-moon.jpg?1)
Dec 8: Cold Moon
One of the traditional names for the Full Moon in December is Cold Moon.
Dec 13/14: Geminid Meteors
![Illustration image](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/geminids.jpg?1)
One of the best meteor showers of the year, the Geminids peak on the night of December 13 and early morning hours of December 14, but will be visible from December 4-20.
Dec 21: December Solstice
![December solstice illustration December solstice illustration](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/december-solstice-dark.png?1)
The December solstice will take place at 21:48 UTC. Also known as the winter solstice, it is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year and is called the summer solstice.
Dec 21: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
![Planet Mercury in detail](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/istock-1130781920.jpg?1)
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
Dec 22/23: Ursid Meteors
![Dark sky with tree silhouette and shooting stars.](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/shooting-stars-meteor-shower.jpg?1)
Catch the shooting stars of the last major meteor shower of the year, the Ursids, when it peaks in the night between December 22 and 23.
Dec 23: Super New Moon
![A New Moon night is a good time to star gaze. Starry night sky over the mountain city in the fog](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211215172256im_/https://c.tadst.com/gfx/190x126/starry-night-sky.jpg?1)
This New Moon takes place very close to its perigee—the point on its orbit closest to the Earth.
Note: All dates are UTC, unless otherwise stated.