Must-See Stargazing Events of 2018
by Susan Baxter,
Known as the oldest branch of science, astronomy also proves to be one of the most interesting
outdoor pastimes.
Since prehistory, mankind has been looking at the skies for answers regarding the mysteries
of the natural world.
Hence, our ancestors were able to comprehend important concepts like time, seasons, climate,
and distance.
But no matter how far humanity has come in terms of technology, looking at the vast heavens
(especially) at night still leaves people in a state of awe � realizing how insignificant
we all are in the natural order of the universe.
In fact, in 2015, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published a study that
concluded the positive changes in a human�s personality after prolonged stargazing.
More than 2,000 participants under 5 separate studies yielded a consistent result that describes
the reduced sense of self-importance and increased pro-social behavior.
Inspiration, a spark of creativity, and a deeper perspective on life � all these still
prove that mankind isn�t yet �too lofty to avoid seeking answers from above.�
Just like in prehistoric times, there are still among us who gaze upon the night sky
as hobby or lore.
And every year, these stargazers from all walks of life take note of the forecast for
interesting cosmic events.
Apart from the highlighted Super Blood Moon that occurred on the evening of January 31
and February 1 before sunrise, here are some of the ten interesting heavenly phenomena
to watch in 2018.
The 10 Events In Detail This year can be a busy period for passionate
astrophotography enthusiasts collecting vivid night sky shots or outdoor vacationers who
only wish to simply gaze the heavens by the blazing campfire.
With the introduction being given to you, let�s dive into the details of the ten events
shown in the above image.
1.
The Planetary Alignment At an average frequency of roughly couple
of times in a decade, avid stargazers can see a line-up of more than two planets in
the same region of the sky.
In 2018, astronomers predicted the possible alignment of Saturn, Mars, the moon, and Jupiter.
The most radiant star of the Scorpius Constellation called the Antares is included in this regional
cosmic alignment.
Planetary alignment often serves as a significant cultural reference for many people on the
planet.
A number of mystical traditions around the world consider this cosmic phenomenon as a
crucial factor in their organized ceremonies (e.g. weddings).
This curious practice stems from the belief that people�s fate, in concurrence with
the balance of good and evil, is determined by a particular order of astronomical bodies
in the cosmos.
It is important to understand, however, that planetary alignment in this article is specifically
understood in terms of using earth as a point of reference (instead of the sun).
2018 Schedule & Details: On March 7 and 8, you are able to see Saturn,
Mars, Antares, the moon and Jupiter in the southeastern sky before sunrise � arranged
specifically in that order spanning from the southwest to the southeast heavenly hemispheres.
Several astrophotography footages online have already illustrated this particular arrangement,
often with the special reference to the movement of the moon.
Two days following these consecutive dates, the waning moon may no longer align properly
with the rest of the cosmic bodies.
Historical Background
The previously dated occurrence of a comparatively similar planetary alignment in the southern
skies occurred in 2016, between January 28 and February 6.
Like this year, it was also visible at dawn.
From the southwest to the southeast horizon, the particular arrangement included Mercury,
Venus, Saturn, the moon, and Jupiter.
The linear positioning was most favorable on January 30, with the moon positioning itself
between Saturn and Jupiter.
2.
Mercury on Spotlight The closest planet from the sun is passing
its greatest elongation seven times within the year 2018.
In scientific terms, elongation is described as the angular separation of an astronomical
body from the sun, with the Earth being the point of visual reference.
The further the planet from the sun as seen from Earth, the more visible it is in the
sky.
Mercury serves as one of the ideal models for understanding the concept of elongation,
considering its proximity with the sun.
Not surprisingly, it is the single most frequently visible planet in the sky for every calendar
period.
Named after the Greek (aka Hermes) god of commerce, eloquence, communications, fortune
and theft, Mercury is actually the closest brother of the sun god Apollo.
Considering the knowledge of ancient Greek astronomers, this particular detail of the
mythological narrative is more than just a mere coincidence.
2018 Schedule & Details:
The Mercury can be easily spotted in the sky either before sunrise or after sunset, respectively
known as the western elongations and the eastern elongations.
You can see Mercury after sunset in the western skies on March 15, July 12, and November 6.
If you prefer to wake up early and spot it before sunrise, look for it in the eastern
skies on April 29, August 26, and December 15.
Historical Background The last time the Mercury shone its most visible
form was during the wee hours of the 2018 New Year�s Eve.
In a comical sense, the Greco-Roman patron god of merchants partially stole the limelight
from the two-faced Janus and opened 2018 for avid amateur astronomers.
Last year, Mercury only graced the skies six times.
3.
Return to the Sky Palace
Literally translated as sky palace or heavenly place, Tiangong bears the namesake of China�s
independent space station program.
As its first prototype space station, the Tiangong-1 both functioned as the staffed
laboratory and testing facility for optimizing space rendezvous (the meeting of two vessels
in the same orbit at close visual contact).
This cylindrical space station measures 34 feet in length and 11 feet in diameter, with
two solar panels spanning roughly 23�10 feet.
China�s space agency lost control of the Tiangong-1 a couple of months after the end
of its functional lifespan on March 12, 2016.
Experts predict that the missing space station will reenter the earth�s atmosphere anytime
in 2018.
2018 Schedule & Details:
Experts cannot accurately predict the exact time and place for the Tiangong-1�s visible
descent, but the estimated time of arrival is scheduled around the last week of March.
As for reports of the location, the highest probability is anywhere between 43 degrees
north and 43 degrees south latitude.
A news article published in October of 2017 in Space.com revealed a video footage of how
the abandoned space station would appear as it descends ablaze through the Earth�s atmosphere,
resembling a localized cluster of fiery projectiles (e.g. flares).
Historical Background
The Tiangong-1 was launched on September 29, 2011.
By November of the same year, an unmanned vessel (Shenzhou 8) successfully links with
the prototype module.
The first manned mission aboard Shenzhou 9 docked on Tiangong-1 in June of 2012.
The last docking mission for Tiangong-1 was performed by China�s first female astronauts
aboard Shenzhou 10 in June of 2013.
While the projected lifespan of China�s first space station was scheduled in 2013,
a two-year extension delayed the final clause to its actual year of service.
As a global superpower proven to be a fierce rival of the United States, China is also
determined to compete in the space exploration arena.
Tiangong-1 was merely the initial step to completing the long-term building of the proposed
Chinese Space Station (CSS) by 2023.
4.
Sighting the Superior Planets Must-See Stargazing Events of 2018 Wandering
the outlying orbits of the Solar System, the superior planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
and Neptune are among the most distant cosmic objects visible from Earth.
Their clarity is determined by an astronomical principle called opposition.
In theory, the position of these outlying planets during its greatest opposition is
angled at 180 degrees � hiding directly from the sun behind Earth.
Curiously, these four giants were named after the principal gods of the Greek mythology.
Jupiter (Zeus) occupies the highest echelon as king of the universe.
Saturn (Chronos) bears the Roman variant of the dethroned Titan god of time.
Uranus (Ouranos) was named after the oldest Titan god of skies.
Neptune (Poseidon), Jupiter�s brother and celestial viceroy, ruled the seas.
Their size, color, and orbital arrangement serve as a deliberate allusion to their mythological
hierarchy.
2018 Schedule & Details:
The highest visual quality for each of these superior planets can only be witnessed once,
and each of them will appear in separate calendar dates.
Jupiter (and a good portion of its 69 moons with a well-rated telescope) is visible all
night long on May 9.
If you prefer to see Saturn and its prominent multi-colored rings, you may catch it glowing
brightly in the night sky on June 27.
For Uranus and Neptune, you may catch them closing the distance to Earth respectively
on October 23 and September 7.
Both of these planets can avoid detection from our unaided eyes and the use of telescope
may require skillful night sky navigation.
Take note: look for Venus to see Uranus, and look for Mars to see Neptune.
Using interactive apps (e.g. Exoplanet) is very helpful for novices who struggle with
getting the right bearings from traditional star charts.
Historical Background
While all of these superior planets bear the names of principal gods in Greek mythology,
only two were actually christened in the same classical era.
Due to their sheer enormity, both Jupiter and Saturn stood in the cosmic limelight as
far back as prehistoric times.
The invention of the telescope during the Late Middle Ages was crucial to the development
of a more accurate observation.
Galileo Galilei, the father of modern astronomy, was the first to closely monitor Jupiter and
Saturn through a telescope in 1610.
Uranus and Neptune were previously mistaken as stars due to their comparatively slow movement.
The earliest naked eye observation of Uranus by Hipparchus of Nicea (128 BC) persisted
until it was seen and confirmed as a planet by William Herschel in 1781.
Galileo also mistook Neptune as a star until confirmation as a planet was established in
1846 by Johann Galle and Urbain Le Verrier.
5.
Venus Kisses Luna The possibility of two astronomical objects
appearing too close together is not a rare occurrence, but the chances of seeing them
vividly with the naked eye are comparatively slimmer.
In scientific terminology, this event is called a conjunction.
One of the best conjunctions being predicted by astronomers in 2018 is between the moon
and planet Venus.
Curiously, both cosmic bodies also bear the Roman namesake of two Greek goddesses � Aphrodite
(Venus) and Artemis (Luna).
As far as the mythological narrative is concerned, both of these beautiful divine beings could
never be more dissimilar.
Luna is virginal and stubborn while Venus is morally adulterated and passionate.
While Greek mythology may depict them as frequent rivals, 2018 seems to have succeeded in reconciling
the feud between these Olympian cousins.
2018 Schedule & Details:
The forecast puts the most spectacular conjunction of the moon and Venus on July 15.
Scheduled to appear in the southwestern sky during sunset, experts believe that North
American stargazers are guaranteed to have the best view.
An article published in the National Geographic news in December of 2017 featured a hypothetical
imagery of this event, characterized by Luna�s waxing crescent and Venus� radiant glow.
These cosmic bodies share a distance of fewer than 1.6 degrees.
Historical Background
The last time the moon and Venus appeared close together was from February 16 to 18
of 2018.
While both cousins have tried to square their issues roughly a month after the New Year,
their efforts didn�t really seem to pan out.
Several amateur astronomers have struggled to navigate both goddesses with a small telescope,
even more so with the naked eye.
6.
Big & Bright Red Planet One of the most anticipated cosmic events
in 2018 is the sight of a brighter and magnified disk shape of the neighboring planet Mars.
Experts have narrowed their measurement of the Earth�s proximity to the red planet
at around 35.8 million miles � roughly 150 times than the moon�s distance to our home
world.
Named after the Greek god of war (Ares), this planet is one of the most popular cosmic bodies
in the world.
Since man�s triumphant landing on the moon during the height of the Cold War, NASA considers
Mars as its next historical milestone.
With the enormous technological obstacle ahead, the projected fulfillment of human colonization
to Mars is due for 2030.
For now, the special attention this neighboring red planet receives helps fuel the efforts
of achieving that dream.
2018 Schedule & Details:
The magnified size of Mars will shine its brightest on July 27.
Experts suggest looking at the southern skies.
While viewing with the naked eye guarantees a pleasant sight, a small telescope will take
you much closer to its surface � one that is characterized by white polar caps and dark
volcanic plains.
The red planet won�t be this apparent again until 2035 (hopefully in an age where humanity
has already set foot on it).
Historical Background
The previous notable Martian opposition occurred on August 7, 2003.
A recent article published by EarthSky.com provided a curious comparison between this
year�s appearance and the one that transpired 15 years ago.
As far as the numbers and projections go, this year�s arrival of the Greek war god
proves to be more �vainglorious.�
7.
Partial Solar Eclipse The year 2018 will be plagued with shaded
daylights twice in some parts of the world.
Thankfully, it�s just a partial solar eclipse and a few hours in the morning would not be
so dismal and cryptic as people would normally expect.
This particular phenomenon is characterized by a glaring crescent-shaped sun, with the
skies assuming either a crepuscular or twilight tone.
Warning: looking directly at an eclipsed sun without visual filters can cause impaired
vision (at best) or blindness (at worst)!
Throughout ancient history, no other cosmic event seems to instill fear than a solar eclipse.
The very notion of the sun�s disk being dismembered or engulfed by darkness is simply
too bizarre for the primitive man to comprehend.
While most ancient cultures understood the solar eclipse merely in superstitious terms,
the Mayans that dominated southeastern Mexico and most of Central America have devised a
calendar that accurately predicts its occurrence.
In the 2006 epic film Apocalypto, the Mayans were depicted as a wicked empire that used
their advanced knowledge of the solar eclipse as a means of systematically purging the weaker
neighboring tribes.
2018 Schedule & Details:
Unlike all the previously mentioned cosmic events, the solar eclipse will not be visible
anywhere in the United States of America.
On July 13, the eclipse shall cover the southern hemisphere, for which this phenomenon will
be visible around the extreme southern areas of Australia, Antarctica, and the ocean between
them.
On August 11, visibility of the eclipse will shift to the northern hemisphere.
It can be observed in certain locations of Northeast Canada, Greenland, extreme Northern
Europe (e.g. Norway), certain parts of East Asia, and Russia.
Historical Background
It is important to take note that this first partial solar eclipse in 2018 has already
occurred in the southern hemisphere during the day after Valentine�s Day � February
15, 2018.
This was observed at the southern edges of South America, Antarctica, and the Atlantic
Ocean.
8.
King of Meteor Showers There are a total of 21 types of meteor showers
registered by the International Astronomical Union � with a total of 8 yet to manifest
the night skies of 2018.
But among all the names listed, none could be more globally exciting than the Geminids.
Every year, this meteor shower falls on the exact same dates in the month of December.
It earned the nickname �King of Meteor Showers� as it generates up to a total of 120 meteors
per hour.
Each of these cosmic projectiles races at 22 miles per second.
Named after the Gemini Constellation, this meteor shower supposedly appears to be most
radiant around its namesake constellation.
But in reality, only weather and light pollution can prove to be an obstacle to getting the
best view in the night sky.
2018 Schedule & Details:
The Geminids will be at the peak of its visibility in the sky from the 13th night to the 14th
dawn of December.
In case of poor weather forecast during these two calendar dates, the Geminids can already
begin to appear (with less meteor frequency) as early as December 4, with the last meteors
fired across the sky on the 17th night.
Historical Background
The exact timeline that the Geminids were observed in ancient times could not be accurately
verified, but the earliest conclusive reports marked its discovery in 1862 � courtesy
of one astronomer from England (R.P. Greg) and two from the United States (B.V. Marsh
and A.C. Twining).
They were the first to pioneer more academic investigations in the 1870�s.
As a stream of cosmic wreckage passing through Earth�s upper atmosphere, most meteor showers
were birthed by comets.
What makes the Geminids particularly unique is that it originated from an asteroid known
as 3200 Phaeton.
This cosmic body was discovered in October of 1983 by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite.
It was named after mythical chariot driver of Helios, the archaic Titan equivalent of
the Olympian sun god Apollo.
9.
Comet 46P/Wirtanen Every year, serious astronomers are bound
to identify more than one comet that looks closer to Earth visible through a telescope.
However, the sight of a slow-traveling icy body visible through the unaided eye is not
an annual phenomenon.
Another reason to consider 2018 as a special year for stargazers and astronomers has a
lot to do with the closest approach of the Comet 46P/Wirtanen passing outside Earth�s
upper atmosphere.
Unlike the planets in the Solar System, comets do not orbit around the sun.
The 46P/Wirtanen is classified as a short-period comet that completes its cycle at an average
of 5.4 years.
Its revolution away from the sun (aphelion) does not wander beyond the Jupiter orbit.
In 2018, its revolution towards the sun (perihelion) will pass its nearest trajectory over Earth
at a distance of 7.1 million miles � merely 30 times the moon�s distance from our home
world.
2018 Schedule & Details:
The Comet 46P/Wirtanen will appear closest to Earth on December 16.
Its earliest perihelion is scheduled on December 12, predicted to pass by the Taurus Constellation.
While it is possible to spot this comet through a telescope four days before its nearest approach,
it is easier to spot this comet on the 16th with the naked eye.
Considering that its visibility coincides with the latter Geminids window, you ought
to get your bearings around the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters.
Historical Background
Named after the American astronomer Carl A. Wirtanen, this comet was discovered during
an astrophotography stint at the Lick Observatory on July 15, 1948.
Curiously, this comet was discovered by accident as confirmed two days after close examination
of the image.
After a year of further study, 46P/Wirtanen was identified as a short-term comet.
Initial speculations have considered 46P/Wirtanen as a potentially dangerous object that may
hit Earth.
Dr. Paul Chodas of NASA�s Near Earth Objects Program Office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
developed a computer program that simulates precise orbital cycles of cosmic bodies (e.g.
comets) between the dates 2000 and 2200.
Fortunately, 46P/Wirtanen will not cause mankind�s doomsday for the next 182 years.
10.
International Space Station The International Space Station (ISS) is a
habitable artificial satellite that serves as a microgravity and space environment research
where astronauts conduct experiments in various related fields of sciences.
Its full dimensions span a total of 239 feet in length, 356 feet in width and 66 feet in
height � making it the largest man-made object hovering around Earth�s low orbit.
In effect, the sheer magnitude of its size makes it visible for anyone on Earth to see
with the naked eye.
Around the Earth�s low orbit, the ISS can circumnavigate the globe approximately 15.54
times within the standard 24 hours.
It hovers at an average 9.67 kilometers per second, reaching full circle around the globe
in roughly 1 hour and 33 minutes.
2018 Schedule & Details:
Just like every year, it is possible to see the ISS in the skies every day, provided that
the weather is clear.
It is important to take note that this bright satellite will appear in the sky from 6,700
locations around the world.
Within the United States alone, there are 4,599 sighting opportunities monitored by
Mission Control at NASA�s Johnson Space Center (Houston, Texas).
In order to determine which time of the day the ISS is vividly seen in your location,
you may check the real-time forecast at their website Spot the Station.
Historical Background
The first ISS module (Zarya) was launched on November 20, 1998, followed by its first
space shuttle (STS-88) and node component (Unity).
The station remained uninhabited until November 2, 2000, when the first man-made expedition
was initiated, sending three astronauts to man the ISS for roughly 137 days.
The first successful launch, unmanned orbit, and staffed expedition paved the way for a
series of improvements and ongoing space exploration activities.
Today, there are five major space organizations jointly participating in the ISS Program � namely
the NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (France) and CSA (Canada).
The ISS is currently comprised of 16 pressurized modules, and as of recently, it already hosted
its 54th expedition comprising a crew of six astronauts.
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