The “ring of fire” that will shine in the sky in 2020 and 9 other events you can’t miss

On May 7th, the Universe saw the phenomenon of the Pink Moon, an event that left observers in complete awe. If you didn’t have the chance to see it, get ready, because in 2020 many more celestial events will happen.

O awesome.club created a list of the main astronomical events that you can see in 2020 with your own eyes, with a binocular or a telescope.

The full moon in June, or the last full moon of spring, is known as the Strawberry Moon. It was named by early Native Americans, who believed the moon was a sign to pick ripe strawberries. This Moon is also called Honeymoon and Pink Moon in Europe.

In 2020, the Moon and Sun are at a distance that makes them appear to be the same size. As the Moon does not completely cover the Sun, when they cross, a ring of fire will appear. It can be seen from Africa, Asia, Indonesia, Europe and Micronesia. It is important to wear some eye protection.

Jupiter at opposition means that it will arrive on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth. You will be able to observe the planet with the naked eye or with the help of binoculars or a telescope, and you will be able to see the bands of its atmosphere and the great red spot.

After 6 days of Jupiter being at opposition, it is Saturn’s turn to be located opposite the Sun for a terrestrial observer. The phenomenon can look like a yellowish white star in the dark sky. Perhaps it is only possible to see the rings with the help of a telescope.

The Perseids are one of the most famous meteor showers. They take place on hot summer nights in the Northern Hemisphere, usually in August. You can watch this event on the nights and early mornings of August 11th, 12th and 13th, when there is practically a meteor release per minute. The ideal is to be away from the big urban centers.

Mars reaches opposition to Earth every two years and the phenomenon is a spectacle. In October, Mars will outshine Jupiter. The peak will take place on the 13th of October.

Don’t miss the biggest meteor shower of the year: the Geminid shower. It will take place on the night of December 13th, around 9 pm, and at dawn on December 14th. Geminid meteors emerge from the constellation Gemini and appear as slow-moving bright streaks of light.

The next total solar eclipse will be visible in regions of South America, Antarctica and Africa. With the Moon blocking all direct light from the Sun, for a few moments the day will turn to night. You will be able to see the Sun’s outer atmosphere and red plasma lights (called solar flares) with the naked eye.

According to the website space.com, by the end of the year the proximity between Jupiter and Saturn will be the greatest since 1623. The conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter is called a great conjunction, and it happens once every 20 years. However, in 2020, the planets will be really close and with the help of a telescope it will be possible to see both.

A supermoon happens when the full moon is closest to Earth. This is because its orbit is elliptical, which causes the Moon’s distance from Earth to vary. In 2020, supermoons will occur on February 9th, March 9th, April 8th and May 7th.

Do you know of any other events that should be on this list? Be sure to share in the comments.