In 2024, we will witness 12 full moons, including two supermoons, a blue moon, and lunar eclipses in a celestial journey.
In the year 2024, the heavens will bestow upon us the luminous gift of 12 full moons, including the magnificence of two supermoons and the rare enchantment of a blue moon, complemented by two mystical lunar eclipses. While seasoned lunar observers understand that the full moon’s night, with its brilliant illumination, may not offer the clearest view of the moon’s intricate features, the spectacle of the full moon ascending as a glowing orb at twilight remains an awe-inspiring celestial dance.
- Jan. 25: Wolf Moon 🐺
- Feb. 24: Snow Moon ❄️
- March 25: Worm Moon 🐛
- April 23: Pink Moon 🌸
- May 23: Flower Moon 🌼
- June 21: Strawberry Moon 🍓
- July 21: Buck Moon 🦌
- Aug. 19: Sturgeon Moon 🐟
- Sept. 17: Harvest Moon 🌾
- Oct. 17: Hunter’s Moon 🏹
- Nov. 15: Beaver Moon 🦫
- Dec. 15: Cold Moon ☃️
Full Moon & New Moon Calendar 2024 🌑🌕
Each full moon carries a name steeped in ancient agricultural traditions, echoing the rhythms of nature and time. The year 2024 will be graced not only with the usual array of full moons but also with the amplified beauty of two supermoons, occurring when the moon, at its monthly perigee, comes closest to our Earth in full splendor, and a seasonal blue moon—the third of four full moons within an equinox and solstice cycle.
Yet, the celestial tapestry of 2024 will differ from the previous year. Owing to the lunar cycle, which completes 12 orbits around Earth in 354 days, we occasionally witness 13 full moons within a solar year, as was the case in 2023. However, with 2024’s first full moon not until the end of January, the universe aligns for a year with 12, each a beacon in the night sky, guiding us through the months with their ethereal glow.
In Hinduism, the lunar cycle plays a significant role in determining religious observances, with the Ekadashi days being a prime example of this connection. Ekadashi, observed on the 11th day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon, is intricately linked to the lunar calendar. The full moon, or Purnima, typically occurs about four or five days after the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi. This timing underscores the close relationship between the moon’s phases and the observance of Ekadashi.
- New Moon at 20°44 Capricorn 🌑 January 11th, 2024
- Full Moon at 5°14 Leo 🌕 January 25th, 2024
- New Moon at 20°40 Aquarius 🌑 February 9th, 2024
- Full Moon at 5°22 Virgo 🌕 February 24th, 2024
- New Moon at 20°16 Pisces 🌑 March 10th, 2024
- Lunar South Node Eclipse at 5°07 Libra 🐲 March 25th, 2024
- Solar North Node Eclipse at 19°23 Aries 🐲 April 8th, 2024
- Full Moon at 4°17 Scorpio 🌕 April 23rd, 2024
- New Moon at 18°01 Taurus 🌑 May 7th, 2024
- Full Moon at 2°54 Sagittarius 🌕 May 23rd, 2024
- New Moon at 16°17 Gemini 🌑 June 6th, 2024
- Full Moon at 1°06 Capricorn 🌕 June 21st, 2024
- New Moon at 14°23 Cancer 🌑 July 5th, 2024
- Full Moon at 29°08 Capricorn 🌕 July 21st, 2024
- New Moon at 12°33 Leo 🌑 August 4th, 2024
- Full Moon at 27°14 Aquarius 🌕 August 19th, 2024
- New Moon at 11°03 Virgo 🌑 September 2nd, 2024
- Lunar North Node Eclipse at 25°40 Pisces 🐲 September 17th, 2024
- Solar South Node Eclipse at 10°03 Libra 🐲 October 2nd, 2024
- Full Moon at 24°34 Aries 🌕 October 17th, 2024
- New Moon at 9°34 Scorpio 🌑 November 1st, 2024
- Full Moon at 24°00 Taurus 🌕 November 15th, 2024
- New Moon at 9°32 Sagittarius 🌑 November 30th, 2024
- Full Moon at 23°52 Gemini 🌕 December 15th, 2024
- New Moon at 9°43 Capricorn 🌑 December 30th, 2024
Lunar Eclipses 2024 🌘🌕
In 2024, the skies will grace us with two lunar eclipses, celestial events where the Moon, Earth, and Sun align, casting Earth’s shadow upon the Moon. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow, creating a breathtaking display of light and shadow in the heavens.
March 25—Penumbral lunar eclipse: The first eclipse, on March 24/25, will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. During this ethereal event, the full Worm Moon will gently glide through Earth’s faint penumbral shadow, subtly shifting its light. This celestial dance will be visible from 12:51-5:35 a.m. EDT, as per Almanac.com, and can be witnessed from the Americas, Western Europe, and Western Africa.
Sept. 17—Penumbral lunar eclipse: Come September 17/18, the heavens will unveil a partial lunar eclipse. In this cosmic spectacle, 8% of the Harvest Moon – which will also be a magnificent supermoon – will venture into Earth’s deeper umbral shadow. This interaction will cast a delicate rosy reddish hue over the moon, observable from 10:12-11:17 p.m. EDT on September 17. This lunar marvel will be visible from the Americas, Europe, and Africa, inviting onlookers to bask in its subtle yet enchanting glow.
Meteor Showers 2024 💫🔭
Meteor showers are a celestial ballet, painting the night sky with luminous streaks and offering us a glimpse into the cosmic dance of our solar system. As remnants of comets and asteroids, these meteors connect us to the ancient rhythms of the cosmos and its ongoing evolution.
Here are the 2024 meteor showers, a cosmic spectacle for the spiritually inclined:
Jan. 3-4—Quadrantid Meteor Shower 🌠: Known for its brief yet intense display, the Quadrantids are a Northern Hemisphere marvel, offering a short window to witness their splendor.
April 21-22—Lyrid Meteor Shower ✨: The Lyrids, with their moderate but captivating display, are best observed in the Northern Hemisphere, lighting up the sky with historical echoes.
May 6-7—Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower 💫: Best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquariids gift us with fast, bright meteors, reminders of the universe’s dynamic nature.
July 30-31—Southern Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower 🌌: Originating from comet 96P/Machholz, these meteors radiate faint, swift trails primarily visible in the Southern Hemisphere.
July 29—Alpha Capricornid Meteor Shower 🔥: Known for fewer but brighter and slower meteors, the Alpha Capricornids illuminate both hemispheres, offering a meditative spectacle.
Aug. 12-13—Perseid Meteor Shower 🌟: A celestial favorite in the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseids are renowned for their bright, vibrant trails, inspiring awe and wonder.
Oct. 7—Draconid Meteor Shower 🐉: A subtle display producing about 10 meteors per hour, the Draconids, best seen in the Northern Hemisphere, invite quiet reflection.
Oct. 21-22—Orionid Meteor Shower 🌠: Associated with Halley’s Comet, the Orionids, best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere, offer a swift, luminous journey through the stars.
Nov. 4-5—Taurid Meteor Shower 🌜: With a long duration and a lower rate of meteors, the Taurids, visible in both hemispheres, remind us of the universe’s expansive time scale.
Nov. 17-18—Leonid Meteor Shower 🌠: The Leonids, known for historic meteor storms, offer a rare and spectacular display visible in both hemispheres, echoing the universe’s grandeur.
Dec. 13-14—Geminid Meteor Shower 💥: Among the most active and reliable showers, the Geminids, primarily visible in the Northern Hemisphere, are a testament to cosmic consistency and beauty.
Dec. 21-22—Ursid Meteor Shower 🌌: Linked to comet 8P/Tuttle and radiating from Ursa Minor, the Ursids, visible in the Northern Hemisphere, close the year with a gentle cosmic whisper.