When is the next meteor shower? What planet is visible? Astronomy events in New Jersey

Juan Carlos Castillo, Asbury Park Press
Updated ·2 min read

We know the planets and meteors are out there, but how can we see them?

We see them in textbook diagrams, planetariums and documentaries, but we rarely see them in the sky. The next few months have some treats ahead for astronomy lovers. When trying to spot planets, look for a shiny, star-looking point that doesn't blink.

Neptune

Sept. 19: Neptune, the other blue planet, will be visible through a telescope.

Mercury

Sept. 22: One hour before sunrise, Mercury will be more visible than any other time of the year.

Saturn

Sept. 26: Saturn can be seen above the moon.

Dec. 17:  Saturn will stand just above the moon from 5:30 p.m. onward.

Venus

Sept. 19: Around this day, Venus will be more visible than usual when looking east right before sunrise.

Early December: Venus will appear as a morning star.

➡ 'Most impressive fireball I have ever witnessed:' Witnesses dazzled by Mid-Atlantic meteor

Several meteor showers streak through the sky during the Leonid meteor shower over Joshua Tree National Park in California in 2001.
Several meteor showers streak through the sky during the Leonid meteor shower over Joshua Tree National Park in California in 2001.

Draconid meteor shower

Oct. 8 to 10: The Draconid meteor shower will be visible. Expect to see about six meteors per hour. The event will be more visible during late evenings.

Orionid meteor shower

Oct. 20 to 21: The Orionid meteor shower, dubbed as having the best shooting stars, will be visible. Try to look away from the moon to spot the shooting stars or after midnight, when the moon sets.

Jupiter

Nov. 3: This day offers a great chance to catch the biggest and brightest view of Jupiter of this year.

➡ 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse is coming to US in October. Here's when (and where) you can see it.

Uranus

Nov. 13: To see Uranus, you might need binoculars to spot a shiny, green dot in the sky.

Geminids meteor shower

Dec. 13: Enjoy what is considered the best meteor shower of 2023, the Geminids meteor shower. Expect to easily spot 50 or more meteors per hour.

➡ An object hit a New Jersey home. It could be a meteorite.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: What planet is visible tonight? When is the next full moon?