Watch amazing astronomical phenomena in 2013

If 2012 ended with regret for astronomy lovers because there were 18 amazing natural phenomena taking place but the weather was not really favorable for observation, then in 2013 there were only 11 astronomical phenomena that could be observed in Vietnam.

Speaking to Vietnam+ reporters, Mr. Dang Vu Tuan Son, Head of the Vietnam Young Astronomy Club, said that in addition to the annual “periodic” meteor showers, the most notable event in 2013 is the two lunar eclipses that will take place in April and October. However, whether or not you can observe these events depends largely on the weather, which is inherently very erratic.

Below is information about all the phenomena that will be able to be observed in Vietnam in 2013:

1. Quadrantids Meteor Shower:A medium-sized meteor shower with a maximum density of about 30-40 meteors/hour at its peak occurs on the night of January 3 and 4 (the best time to observe this phenomenon is after midnight on the 3rd and early morning on the 4th).

This meteor shower is centered around the constellation Bootes (the Bear Hunter). Note that the late moon will obscure many of the meteors.

2. Lyrids Meteor Shower:This medium/minor meteor shower, with a density of no more than 20 meteors per hour, runs from April 16-25. It will peak on the nights of April 21 and 22. The Moon will obscure many of the meteors of this shower, so the phenomenon can only be observed favorably in areas with ideal weather and little atmospheric pollution.

The Lyrids meteor shower is centered in the constellation Lyra.

3. Partial lunar eclipse:This phenomenon occurred on the evening of April 25, and can be observed in a large area including all of Europe, Africa, most of Asia and Oceania. Vietnam is also in the area where this lunar eclipse can be fully observed.

This can be considered the most notable astronomical phenomenon in 2013 for observers in Vietnam.

4. Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower:A minor meteor shower with a peak density of only about 10 meteors per hour. The best time to observe this meteor shower is after midnight on May 5 and early morning on May 6.

This meteor shower is centered in the constellation Aquarius.

5. Venus and Jupiter meet in the sky:Although not a special astronomical phenomenon, the meeting of Venus and Jupiter is also an interesting thing for those who love observing when the two most beautiful bright spots meet on the sky, only about 1 degree apart.

To observe, astronomy lovers should turn their eyes to the western sky at sunset on May 28.

6. Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower:This is a medium/low intensity meteor shower that shines from the constellation Aquarius, producing about 20 meteors per hour. The best time to observe this phenomenon will be the nights of July 28 and 29.

7. Perseids Meteor Shower:This is one of the two biggest meteor showers of the year with a density of about 60 meteors per hour (or more), many of which are very bright and long.

The meteor shower lasts from July 22 to August 23 every year, but peaks on August 12 and 13.

At this time of year, the first moon of the month will set before midnight, so the early morning of August 13 will be ideal to observe this phenomenon. To observe, look to the eastern sky, where the constellation Perseus (Persée the Hero/Hero) is located.

8. Penumbral lunar eclipse:The Moon will enter the penumbra of the Earth's shadow, turning a pale red color during this phenomenon.

This is the only penumbral lunar eclipse of 2013 and observers in Vietnam can see it at sunset on October 18.

9. Orionids Meteor Shower: A relatively large annual meteor shower with a density of 20-30 meteors/hour with many quite bright meteors, centered around the constellation Orion (the hunter/hero Orion).

The ideal time to observe this meteor shower is the night of October 21 and 22. This year, observing this meteor shower will be difficult due to the obstruction of moonlight.

Meteor shower. (Source: universetoday.com)

10. Leonids Meteor Shower:The major meteor shower, centered in the constellation Leo, will produce an average of 40 meteors per hour. The best time to observe the phenomenon will be the night of November 17 and the early morning of November 18.

However, observing this meteor shower in 2013 will not be as expected because it falls on the day of the full moon. At that time, the moonlight will obscure a large number of the phenomenon's meteors.

11. Geminids Meteor Shower:This is one of the two biggest meteor showers (along with the Perseids). This meteor shower has its peak in the constellation Gemini and produces over 60 meteors per hour.

In 2013, the Moon will cause some obstruction in observing this phenomenon. However, this can still be a meteor shower worth watching. The best time for observers will be the early morning of December 14, when look for the constellation Gemini, which is very high in the sky. This is also the last astronomical phenomenon of 2013./.

According to (Vietnam+) - VT