EVENT LIST
December Solstice
The Winter Solstice happens Sat, Dec 21, 2024, 3:19 AM Central Standard Time when the sun's zenith is at its furthest point from the equator. On the December solstice, it reaches its southernmost point. When this occurs the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Star Party
Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, TX will have a star party hosted by the Fort Worth Astronomical Society on Saturday evening December 21, 2024, 8 p.m. weather permitting. Please see the link below for more information. Park Entrance Fees Adult Day Use: $8 Daily Child 12 Years and Under: Free
New Moon
The new moon happens when the moon is in between the Earth and the Sun on its orbital path. The new moon is described as invisible because the part of the moon that is illuminated by the Sun is not facing the Earth. Only the dark side of the moon is visible.
Quadrantids Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids is an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. The shower runs annually from January 1-5. It peaks this year on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th. The crescent moon will set early in the evening, leaving dark skies for what should be … Continue reading Quadrantids Meteor Shower
Earth at Perihelion
Earth reaches perihelion (closest point to the Sun) on January 4th at 0.98333 AU in 2025.
Mars at Opposition
The red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Mars. A medium-sized telescope will allow you … Continue reading Mars at Opposition