Mark your calendars and organize star parties with friends and family to catch these noteworthy 2012 night sky events. In addition to key celestial events, we've also listed the First Quarter and New Moon phase dates for each month. The First Quarter Moon provides interesting views of the lunar terminator region and New Moon evenings are great opportunities to observe deep sky objects.
Kick off the New Year by watching the Quadrantids meteor shower peak on the 3rd and 4th, and enjoy great views of Jupiter all month long.
Explore the Winter Milky Way and enjoy early evening views of Jupiter.
Some of the best galaxies to view are spread across the sky from Ursa Major to Virgo during March.
Mid-April is the best time of year to see ringed Saturn as it comes to opposition. Good views of Mars and spring galaxies continue.
Saturn and distant galaxies are still featured in the evening sky throughout May.
Don?t miss the extremely rare transit of Venus across the Sun on June 6. Always use protective gear such as a solar filter when viewing the Sun. This is the last time in the 21st century that Venus will pass in front of the Sun as viewed from Earth.
Summer stargazing season is in full swing this month, with the galactic core of the Milky Way positioned well for nighttime observations in mid-July.
Catch one of the best meteor showers of the year, the Perseids, as it peaks in mid-August, and enjoy warm summer stargazing sessions all month long.
Seasoned stargazers look forward to September as the best time of year to observe the night sky, thanks to cooling temperatures and dry conditions. Kick off the fall stargazing season with great views of the planets, galaxies such as Andromeda (M31) and more.
Cooler nights and great planetary viewing potential makes October a treat for astronomers.
Our namesake constellation, Orion, makes its way across the sky as planets dance close to the Moon throughout the month.
A great month for viewing gigantic Jupiter, December also provides great opportunities to observe galaxies and clusters.