01. Supermoon

We will witness a supermoon on several upcoming nights (18 September, 17 October, and 15 November). This phenomenon also occurs several times throughout the year. It happens when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth while also being in its full moon phase, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

The best time to observe it is during moonrise or moonset, when the Moon is close to the horizon and appears even larger due to optical effects.

02. Orionid Meteor Shower

We will witness the Orionid meteor shower on 21 October, an event that occurs annually. This astronomical phenomenon happens when Earth passes through debris left behind by a comet. As the debris enters Earth’s atmosphere and burns up, it appears to us as meteors.

Around 20 meteors per hour can be seen at its peak (5 AM). The best time for observation is after midnight until dawn, away from city lights.

03. Geminid Meteor Shower

We will witness the Geminid meteor shower on the nights of 13–14 December, and it occurs annually. This phenomenon happens when Earth passes through debris from an asteroid. As this debris enters Earth’s atmosphere and burns up, it appears as meteors.

The Geminids are considered one of the most abundant meteor showers, with more than 100 meteors per hour visible at their peak (3 AM). The best time for observation is after midnight until dawn, away from city lights.

04. Moon–Jupiter Conjunction

We will witness a conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter on 22 November. The Moon appears close to Jupiter several times throughout the year, and on some occasions a conjunction occurs.

This happens when the Moon and Jupiter appear very close together in the sky, creating a striking view that can be seen with the naked eye or through a small telescope.

What makes a Moon–Jupiter conjunction especially interesting is the visibility of the Galilean moons  (Jupiter’s four major moons) during the event.

05. Moon–Saturn Conjunction

We will witness a conjunction of the Moon and Saturn on 28 December. This happens several times throughout the year.

A conjunction occurs when the Moon and Saturn appear very close together in the sky, creating a beautiful view that can be observed with the naked eye or using a small telescope.

06. Annular Solar Eclipse

We will witness an annular solar eclipse on 2 October, lasting approximately 6 minutes.

This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun but does not completely cover it, creating a ring of light around the Moon’s edges. We will not be able to observe the annular eclipse in its full form, but only as a partial eclipse.

Special eclipse-viewing glasses must be worn to observe the eclipse safely.

First Semester Bulletin — 1446 AH
The Astronomy Bulletin of the Radio Amateurs Club