- In addition to the usual shower of shooting stars, in 2024 will be able to observe many events in the sky.
- You’ll sometimes have to arm yourself with patience or a telescope to see comets or Saturn obscured by the moon, but, we promise, this game is worth the effort.
- “20 Minutes” has put together a calendar of not-to-be-missed events for you to enjoy all year round.
Mark your calendars! While space enthusiasts will have something to eat this year, astronomy enthusiasts won’t be left out either. In addition to the usual shower of shooting stars from the Perseids, which will peak between August 10 and 12, and the Geminids, during December, the year 2024 promises to be rich in extraordinary events to observe. 20 minutes Lists what not to miss.
April 8: Total solar eclipse in North America
On April 8, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow over part of our planet. If the eclipse is not visible from France, those lucky enough to be in North America will be able to observe the “strange” spectacle, according to Olivier Las Vergnas, astronomer and president of the French Astronomical Association (AFA): “If we are on the line of epicenter (the zone where the eclipse total), we will see the Moon completely covering the Sun, for a few seconds to a few minutes. At this moment, we see the Sun’s corona, i.e. the solar radiation around the Moon, then our satellite moves and the Sun comes out of the shadow. It is an extraordinary sensation. Yes, you can feel the night falling in the daylight, the atmosphere changes.” Solar radiation can cause irreversible damage to the eyes, so it is necessary to wear special glasses (sunglasses are of no use in this case) and not to look directly at the sun without them.
If you want to experience this phenomenon without going to the other side of the world, you will have to wait until August 12, 2026. The solar eclipse “will be total from Iceland to Spain and the cone of shadow will pass around France”, where it will be only partial but important given the high level of darkness, explains Olivier Las Vergnas.
April 21: Comet 12/P Ponce-Brooks
First discovered in 1812, Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks can delight young and old alike. But just maybe: it is impossible to predict the visibility of comets, even a few months in advance. Around April 21 is when Ponce-Brooks will shine the most, making it even more likely to see her without the gear. It will still be “at the limit of the naked eye,” warns Olivier Las Vergnas. But you have to try! If it is visible, it will be in a completely black sky.” The astronomer offers some of his advice for enjoying a nice evening and trying to spot a celestial object: “The ideal equipment for comets is a deck chair, a coffee maker and a pair of binoculars. They are not easy to see. , you have to get used to the darkness, know where they are and have a wide field of observation.
August 21: Saturn eclipsed by the Moon
If Saturn’s activities are frequent, what we’ll be able to observe in the early morning hours of August 21 promises to be exceptional, if you’re armed with a small telescope. “It’s really something great,” says the Afa president. We see Saturn’s rings consumed by the Moon. It looks like a ring with a pearl that you see disappearing over the edge of the moon. It really is not to be missed. » With the naked eye, you will be able to see Saturn approaching our satellite, but once it gets too close to the light, the planet will be more difficult to see.
October 12: Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas, discovered in February 2023, may be able to be observed by the most keen observers in October, and especially on the 12th, when it will pass closest to Earth. As for Ponce – Brooks, it’s impossible to know if it will be very visible or what it will look like, but you can still see it low on the southwestern horizon. Advertised as brighter than the first, “it’s worth trying to see it,” advises Olivier Las Vergnas. The method is similar to the Pons-Brooks comet, so this will be your chance to bring out your awesome trio of deck chairs, coffee makers, and binoculars. “We can train with Pons-Brooks to try to observe it,” suggests the astronomer.
A year with the Northern Lights?
The highlight of this year 2024 is the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from France, as it already happened last year. In 2024, the Sun, which operates on an eleven-year cycle, will be at the peak of its activity, paving the way for a possible Aurora Borealis. “They are completely unpredictable, but there can be a warning and we can see them in France,” our astronomer rejoices. You have to monitor sites that advertise solar flares and watch the sky two or three days later. To observe this phenomenon you have to look north and be in really dark. »
