Another year is coming to an end, the new year is approaching. Let’s find out what exciting astronomical events await us in the new year 2021.
This astronomical calendar document is mainly translated from the Seasky website, in addition to many reputable scientific websites such as Earthsky, NASA, Time & Date, etc. converted to Vietnamese time.
May 6.7 – Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The Eta Aquarids are an above average meteor shower, reaching up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most meteors will be visible in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, the frequency is only about 30 meteors per hour. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is formed from the dust particles of Comet Halley, known and observed since ancient times. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower occurs every year from April 19 to May 28. This year, it will peak on the night of May 6 and in the early morning of May 7. The light from the last crescent moon this year will be enough to obscure the faintest meteors. But if you’re patient enough, you might be able to spot some of the brighter ones. A dark enough place after midnight will give you the best view. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will emanate from the constellation Aquarius, but it can appear anywhere in the sky.
Meteor and Milky Way over Australia, 2016. Author: Indigo Skies Photography
12/5 – New Moon
The Moon and Sun will be on the same side of Earth, making it unobservable in the night sky. This phenomenon occurred at 02:01 (Vietnam time). It is also the best time of the month to observe low luminance objects such as the Milky Way and star clusters as they will not be affected by the light of the Moon.
May 17 – Mercury reaches its maximum eastern ecliptic
Mercury will reach its maximum eastern elongation up to 22 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to observe Mercury as it will be highest on the horizon in the evening. Observe the planet low on the western horizon just before sunset.
May 26 – Full Moon, Super Moon
The Moon and the Sun will be on opposite sides, making the Earth-facing hemisphere of the Moon fully illuminated. This phenomenon occurred at 01:14 (Vietnam time). The Full Moon was first known to Native American tribes as the Flower Moon, as it was during this time of year that the spring flowers were in full bloom. It also has other names such as Corn Planting Moon (this time usually starts the farmer’s harvest) or Milk Moon. This is the second of three supermoons in 2021. The Moon will be closest to Earth, so you’ll see it bigger and brighter than usual.
Full moon in March 2018. Photo: Eric Houck
May 26 – Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse will occur when the Moon passes completely into Earth’s shadow (Umbra). The Moon will gradually darken and you will then see it blood red or rusty. A lunar eclipse can be seen in the Pacific Ocean, eastern Asia, Japan, Australia, and western North America.
Total lunar eclipse. Photo: Hoang Quoc Phuong (HAS)
See more 2021 ephemerides here: https://deepsky2000.net/lich-cac-su-kien-thien-van-nam-2021/
The HAS translation team.
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