Astronomical events observable from Vietnam in 2018

Below are specific times of notable astronomical phenomena that can be observed in Vietnam:

January 3, 4: Quadrantids Meteor Shower:This is an average meteor shower. In 2018, viewing of this shower was significantly affected by moonlight.

January 31: Total lunar eclipse:This is the most attractive phenomenon of 2018. Vietnam is in the area where this phenomenon can be fully observed with a total time including the penumbra lasting 5 hours 17 minutes 12 seconds, in which the maximum of the total phase falls at 20:31 Vietnam time.

More specifically, this total lunar eclipse coincides with the time when the Moon passes through the perigee (supermoon), so the Moon will be a little bigger and clearer than normal observations.

April 22, 23: Lyrids Meteor Shower:The average shower is centered around the constellation Lyra. The moon sets relatively early at this time, so if weather conditions are favorable, the early morning of April 23 will be an ideal time to observe.

May 6, 7: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower:This is an above average shower, producing 30 to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.

However, in 2018, the Moon will obscure much of what you can see.

May 9: Jupiter at Opposition:The largest planet in the Solar System will be directly opposite the Sun (Earth is in the middle), so it will be at its brightest and the best time to observe it from Earth. For those with telescopes, this is the best opportunity of the year to observe the planet.

June 27: Saturn at Opposition:Like Jupiter as mentioned above, Saturn at this time will be in its best position to be observed with the naked eye as well as with a telescope.

July 27: Mars at Opposition:The Red Planet will be directly opposite the Sun from Earth and this is the best time of year to observe.

July 28: Total lunar eclipse:This is the second lunar eclipse of 2018. Observers in Vietnam will be able to watch this phenomenon almost entirely in the early morning of July 28.

July 28, 29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower:This is an average meteor shower. This year, with its peak falling near the full moon, observers won't have much of a chance to catch it.

August 12,13: Perseids Meteor Shower:One of the best meteor showers of the year, with peak concentrations of over 60 or up to 100 meteors per hour. The best time to observe this phenomenon is the evening of August 12 and the morning of August 13. The moon will set early, making for ideal viewing conditions.

September 7: Neptune at Opposition:The most distant known planet in the Solar System will come to its best position to be observed from Earth. However, it can only be observed through telescopes.

October 8: Draconids Meteor Shower:This is a minor meteor shower with a frequency of rarely more than 10 meteors per hour.

October 21, 22: Orionids Meteor Shower:This above average shower is centered in the constellation Orion. The nearly circular moon will obscure many of its meteors, but with good viewing conditions you should still be able to see quite a few of the shower's brightest meteors.

Photo is for illustration purposes only.

October 23: Uranus at Opposition:Observers can see it through amateur telescopes and binoculars.

November 5, 6: Taurids Meteor Shower:This is a minor meteor shower with a peak density of less than 10 meteors per hour.

November 17, 18: Leonids Meteor Shower:This meteor shower occurs in the region of the constellation Leo. In 2018, the Leonids is an average shower with about 30 meteors per hour at its peak.

December 13, 14: Geminids Meteor Shower:This is the biggest meteor shower of the year. In 2018, the Moon will not interfere with the observation of this phenomenon.

December 21, 22: Ursids Meteor Shower:This is a minor meteor shower that occurs in the constellation Ursa Minor. The bright moon will obscure most of the meteors, so only with ideal weather and atmospheric conditions will viewers be able to see some of the brightest meteors.