As we usher in the new year of 2024, celestial enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting skywatching experience. From planetary conjunctions to oppositions and elongations, this guide will navigate you through the best times to observe our neighboring planets and their captivating dance across the heavens.
Mercury’s Elusive Charm
The elusive Mercury will grace the sky as an evening star, setting about an hour after sunset, and as a morning star, rising about an hour before sunrise. Mark your calendars for Mercury sightings from Jan. 5 to Jan. 26, May 2 to May 23, Aug. 30 to Sept. 19, and Dec. 18 to Dec. 31. Brightest and easiest to spot in the evening sky between March 10 to March 31, and in the morning sky from Jan. 5 to Jan. 26 and Dec. 18 to Dec. 31, Mercury will paint the canvas of our celestial stage with its distinct yellowish hue.
Venus: The Radiant Beauty
Venus, with its steady silvery light, will dazzle morning observers from Jan. 1 to April 8 and evening viewers from July 30 to Dec. 31. Catch the best morning view from Jan. 1 to Feb. 11 and the evening spectacle from Oct. 5 through Dec. 31. Look out for Venus and Mars sharing a celestial moment on Feb. 22 and the stunning proximity of Venus and Saturn on the morning of March 21.
Mars: The Dimming Luminary
Despite a relatively dim year for Mars, skywatchers can still catch glimpses of the Red Planet. Starting the year in Sagittarius, Mars will gradually brighten, reaching its peak on New Year’s Eve in the constellation of Cancer. Notable events include close encounters with Venus on Feb. 22, Saturn on April 10, and Neptune on April 29. The year concludes with a waning gibbous moon sliding above Mars on Dec. 18, treating North American observers to a lunar occultation.
Jupiter’s Brilliant Performance
Jupiter, with its silver-white luster, will command attention throughout 2024. Starting the year in Aries, it will move into Taurus on April 28 and remain there for the rest of the year. Brightest between Nov. 14 and Dec. 28, Jupiter will be in opposition to the sun on Dec. 7. Noteworthy events include its close encounter with Aldebaran on July 9 and its proximity to Mars on Aug. 14.
Saturn’s Ringed Majesty
Saturn, adorned with its famous rings, will grace the evening sky from Jan. 1 to Feb. 11, mornings from March 17 to Sept. 7, and evenings again from Sept. 8 to Dec. 31. Its brightest moments in 2024 will be between Aug. 25 and Oct. 1. Witness Saturn’s celestial dance with Venus on March 21 and its close encounter with Mars on April 10.
Uranus and Neptune: Binocular Challenges
Uranus, visible to those with keen eyesight and clear skies, will be in Aries throughout 2024. Spot it during evenings from Jan. 1 to April 27, mornings from May 31 to Nov. 16, and evenings again from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Brightest between Oct. 15 and Dec. 21, Uranus reaches opposition on Nov. 16.
Neptune, a bluish-hued world, graces the evening sky from Jan. 1 to March 1, mornings from April 3 to Sept. 19, and evenings again from Sept. 20 to Dec. 31. Its peak brightness occurs from July 23 to Nov. 19, with a memorable opposition on Sept. 20. Catch Venus slipping close on April 3 and Mars passing by on April 29, offering unique opportunities to distinguish these celestial neighbors. Whether you’re an avid stargazer or a casual observer, 2024 promises a celestial spectacle worth staying up for. Keep your eyes on the skies and embark on a journey through the cosmos as our planetary neighbors take center stage in the celestial ballet of the upcoming year.
