Alpha Capricornids
The Alpha Capricornids are active from July 3–August 15 with a maximum centered on July 28. This shower is not very strong and rarely produces in excess of five shower… Read More »Alpha Capricornids
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Astronomical Events
Draconid Meteor Shower
The radiant point for the Draconids is the head of the dragon in the constellation Draco. The peak is on the evening of October 8. Unlike most meteor showers, this… Read More »Draconid Meteor Shower
Orionid Meteor Shower
Unfortunately, the full moon coincides with the peak of the Orionids this year, which occurs in the early morning of October 21. The radiant point of the Orionids is the… Read More »Orionid Meteor Shower
Taurid Meteor Showers
The two Taurid Meteor Showers last for several weeks before and after their peak dates, but often produce only around 5 meteors per hour, even at their peak. What makes… Read More »Taurid Meteor Showers
Taurid Meteor Showers
The two Taurid Meteor Showers last for several weeks before and after their peak dates, but often produce only around 5 meteors per hour, even at their peak. What makes… Read More »Taurid Meteor Showers
Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonids usually produce 10–15 meteors per hours. They will peak on the morning of November 17.
Geminid Meteor Shower
The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks on the evening of December 13, but the best viewing will be toward morning on December 14 after the moon has set. This is one… Read More »Geminid Meteor Shower
Winter Solstice
Winter begins in the northern hemisphere at the winter solstice at 10:58 AM EST on December 21. This solstice occurs when the earth's north pole is at its maximum tilt… Read More »Winter Solstice
Ursid Meteor Shower
The Ursids run December 17–26, but even at their peak before dawn on December 22, you should only expect to see 5–10 meteors per hour. To make matters worse this… Read More »Ursid Meteor Shower
Winter Solstice
The winter solstice for the Northern Hemisphere occurs on Wednesday, December 21, at 4:47 pm EST (21:47 UTC). The winter solstice is the point in the earth's orbit when the… Read More »Winter Solstice
Northern Lights Watch Party
City of Greenbelt Observatory 8101 Northway Road, Greenbelt, MD, United StatesHigh-intensity solar winds may cause displays of the Aurora Borealis—also known as the Northern Lights—that will be visible in Maryland as far south as Annapolis this week. Due to requests… Read More »Northern Lights Watch Party
Partial Solar Eclipse Party
City of Greenbelt Observatory 8101 Northway Road, Greenbelt, MD, United StatesA partial solar eclipse will be visible from Greenbelt on Saturday, October 14. The Astronomical Society of Greenbelt will be hosting a viewing party at the Greenbelt Observatory. This event… Read More »Partial Solar Eclipse Party