(Below is an excerpts from an article published in the Times of India (Chennai Times) dated 13 Jan 2018)
2018 is a year of Celestial Events
&
Celebrate these Celestial Events @Mongoose Camps
(At a stone throw distance from Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary)
The year 2018 kicked off with a Supermoon. And for those with a fascination for celestial events, 2018 has a lot more in store. On January 31, there will be a blue moon, super moon and lunar eclipse all on the same day. This type of convergence is an uncommon phenomenon and the day will also see the last of two Supermoons for 2018. But fret not astronomy enthusiasts, there are around 16 other celestial events - including meteor showers and eclipses - coming up. So, no surprise that astronomy enthusiasts in the city are gearing up for a number of star gazing sessions. Serious enthusiasts would want to perform experiments at some of these celestial events. These experiments can vary from measuring the rate of meteor showers to checking the impact of these events on other variables like the moon.
Watch out for these Specials - Mark Your Calendar
- All the Doubles (March 31 (Second Blue Moon)& July 27-28 (Second Lunar Eclipse)
This year will witness two blue moons - another rarity - and there are set to be two lunar eclipses as well. It is a rare phenomenon to have two lunar eclipses in one year. Previously, we had one in 2015 that was partially visible in India. - That Extra Visibility (November 17-19)
If forecasts are correct, the Leonid Meteor Shower, that occurs around November 17-18 every year, might be visible for an additional day this year. This phenomenon occurs when the earth passes through the debris left by the comet Temple-tuttle. In addition to this debris, it is also set to pass through another old debris cloud which might make the showers visible for a longer duration. - Meet the King (December 13-14)
Considered the king of meteor showers, Geminidsproduces up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. And enthusiasts are keen not to miss this shower, when it takes place in December. The moon during this time is going to be in the waxing crescent phase - ideal for making observations. - Partial Solar Eclipse (February 15 & July 13)
The partial solar eclipse happens twice in three years, but is not always visible from India. This year there are chances of it being visible.
In the mood for a shower?
- April 22-23 - Lyrids meteor shower
- May 6-7 - Eta Aquarids meteor shower
- July 28-29 - Delta Aquarids meteor shower
- August 12-13 - Perseids meteor shower
- October 8 - Draconids meteor shower
- October 21-22 - Orionids meteor shower
- November 5-6 - Taurids meteor shower
- November 17, 18 - Leonids meteor shower
- December 13, 14 - Geminids meteor shower
- December 21, 22 - Ursids meteor shower
Head to the outskirts of the city & Welcome to the Mongoose Camps
India will enjoy good visibility of both total lunar eclipses. Moon phase is one of the major factors that affects the visibility of such events. During the meteor showers, the moon phases are going to be such that the visibility will be good. But given the pollution in the city, enthusiasts will most likely be heading to the outskirts, to witness these events. Earlier, a trip to the Beach would suffice for clearer skies, but now enthusiasts have to travel at least 40-60km from the city for better visibility.
