One consistent piece of feedback we receive from our guests is that Getaway is the perfect place, far from the light pollution of the city, to see the stars and constellations. Here’s what you can look forward to seeing in the sky this month on your next escape to nature.
May
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Get ready to witness the spectacular Eta Aquarids meteor shower, an above-average shower known for its dazzling display of shooting stars. Produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, this shower peaks on the night of May 6 and the morning of May 7. With the nearly new moon providing dark skies, it’s the perfect opportunity to observe up to 60 meteors per hour, radiating from the constellation Aquarius. Find a dark location after midnight for the best viewing experience.
New Moon
On May 8, the moon will be located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, rendering it invisible in the night sky. This New Moon phase offers optimal conditions for observing faint celestial objects such as galaxies and star clusters. With no moonlight to interfere, it’s an ideal time to explore the depths of the cosmos with your telescope or binoculars.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
Look to the eastern sky just before sunrise on May 9 to catch a glimpse of Mercury at its greatest western elongation from the Sun. With a maximum separation of 26.4 degrees, Mercury will be at its highest point above the horizon, making it an excellent opportunity for viewing. Don’t miss this chance to observe the elusive innermost planet in the morning sky.
Full Flower Moon
Mark your calendars for May 23, when the night sky will be illuminated by the radiant glow of the Full Flower Moon. Named for the abundance of spring flowers that bloom during this time of year, this full moon is a sight to behold. Known by early Native American tribes as the Flower Moon, it’s a symbol of renewal and natural beauty. Take a moment to appreciate the splendor of the cosmos as you bask in the glow of the fully illuminated moon.
April
April 8th marks the occurrence of the New Moon, an astronomical event where the Moon is situated between the Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible against the night sky. This total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path across 13 states, offering a breathtaking opportunity to escape into nature to be present for this celestial event. The eclipse’s path extends from Mexico and enters the United States through Texas, continuing its journey through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and finally reaching the northeastern tip of Maine.
Lyrids Meteor Shower
The nights of April 22nd and 23rd are set to showcase the Lyrids meteor shower, an annual celestial event known for producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. Originating from the dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, discovered in 1861, the Lyrids meteor shower offers a spectacular display of meteors radiating from the constellation Lyra.
Full Moon
On April 23rd, the night sky will light up with the Full Moon, known traditionally as the Pink Moon. This nomenclature, derived from early Native American tribes, celebrates the appearance of the moss pink or wild ground phlox—one of the earliest spring flowers. Despite the brightness that slightly hampers the visibility of other celestial phenomena, the Full Moon offers an opportunity for lunar observation, allowing detailed views of its craters, seas, and other surface features through telescopes or binoculars.
March
New Moon
March 10th presents the New Moon, a phase that is a stargazer’s delight. During this time, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible in the night sky. This absence of moonlight creates exceptionally dark skies, ideal for observing the rest of the night sky.
March Equinox
The March Equinox on March 20th marks an astronomical milestone and the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night across the globe. This equinox is a celebration of the changing seasons and is significant in many cultures. For stargazers, the equinox signals a shift in the night sky, with constellations specific to spring beginning to rise in prominence in the sky.
Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On March 24th, Mercury will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation, at 18.7 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Just after sunset, look for this elusive planet low in the western sky. Being the closest planet to the sun, Mercury is often lost in the sun’s glare, but during this elongation, it becomes visible. This event provides a rare opportunity for observers and photographers to catch a glimpse of Mercury’s fleeting beauty.
Full Moon (Worm Moon)
The Full Moon on March 25th is not just any full moon—it’s known as the Worm Moon. This traditional name, given by early Native American tribes, signifies the time of year when the ground begins to thaw and earthworms reappear. Also called the Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sap Moon, and Lenten Moon, this lunar phase occurs at 07:02 UTC. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun, fully illuminated and showcasing its brilliant face. This phase is perfect for observing lunar craters and seas in detail, and is a favorite among lunar photographers.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
The evening of March 25th also brings a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, a celestial event where the Moon passes through the Earth’s partial shadow, or penumbra. This type of eclipse results in a subtle darkening of the moon’s surface. While not as dramatic as a total lunar eclipse, the penumbral eclipse is still a fascinating astronomical event. It will be visible throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Viewers can observe the gradual shading effect on the moon, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already beautiful full moon night.
February
Comet C/2022 E3 at its Brightest
On February 1st, skywatchers will have a spectacular opportunity to witness Comet C/2022 E3 at its brightest. This cosmic visitor, which last graced our skies thousands of years ago, will shine brilliantly in the night sky.The comet, easily identified by its glowing coma and distinct tail, will be visible to the naked eye in dark skies, away from city lights.
Peak of the α-Centaurid Meteor Shower
The night of February 8th marks the peak of the α-Centaurid meteor shower, a celestial event that promises to dazzle stargazers. Known for their bright and fast meteors, the α-Centaurids originate from the constellation Centaurus. This meteor shower is especially noted for its spectacular fireballs – larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak.
New Moon
February 9th brings the New Moon, a phase that offers the perfect backdrop for stargazing. During this time, the moon is aligned with the sun, making it invisible in the night sky. This absence of moonlight allows for darker skies, which enhances the visibility of stars and other celestial objects.
Full Moon
On February 24th, the night sky will be illuminated by the Full Moon. While the Full Moon brings an increase in ambient light, reducing the visibility of fainter stars and galaxies, it offers a chance to observe lunar features in great detail. The craters, mountains, and valleys of the lunar surface are prominently visible, and can be explored with binoculars or a telescope.
January 2024
Quadrantids Meteor Shower
Stay January 3-4 and experience the Quadrantids Meteor Shower at its peak. Up to 40 meteors an hour will radiate from the constellation Bootes, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
New Moon
Book your Getaway January 11 and enjoy a New Moon — when less moonlight lets you spot faint objects, like far-off galaxies and star clusters.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
Get away January 12 and Mercury will likely be in view. The Swift Planet will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky (tip: look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.)
Full Moon
Stay January 25 and bask beneath a Full Moon, when the moon appears bigger and brighter.