Last year, observers across the U.S. witnessed an array of astrological events including a beautiful “ring of fire” eclipse, dazzling meteor showers and a partial lunar eclipse.
This year in 2024, minimal equipment is needed to enjoy and view the events.
The most anticipated events will probably be the long-awaited total solar eclipse happening in April.
A solar eclipse is when the moon passes in between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking off the face of the sun.
The last solar eclipse occurred in 2017.
While Montana isn't under the eclipse's totality, we will still get a good 40% to 60% view.
The next total solar eclipse to occur won't be until 2044! Luckily, Montana will be completely in the path for that one.
Happening until Friday is the Quadrantids meteor shower will be viewable with peak observation from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Around 25 shooting stars will be visible an hour, and with partly cloudy skies and 50% of the moon's illumination, there are good odds to seem them.
Another meteor shower to write in your calendar will be the Perseids meteor shower occurring on August 12 and August 13.
The Perseids are caused by earth passing through debris — bits of ice and rock — left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle which last passed close to earth in 1992.”
This will be the best shooting star display of the year with over 100 meteors visible an hour.
This will also be one of the best years for Montana residents to see the aurora borealis, often called the Northern Lights.
Our current solar cycle is about to peak in the 2024 to 2025 timeframe because of an increase in sun activity.
This means that there will be an increase in the northern lights in the Treasure State.
To see them, drive out somewhere where there isn't a lot of light pollution, look up to the north, and you might catch a glimpse of the celestial event.
