Overview

The noteworthy astronomical events of 2018 are the total lunar eclipses in January and July. On January 31, all of Japan can see the entire total lunar eclipse from start to finish. A copper red Moon floats in the sky for more than an hour, starting from around 9:51 p.m. Also on July 28, an eclipse occurs from the middle of the night to the dawn, and the Moon sets during the lunar eclipse.

Among the 3 major meteor showers, the timing of the peak and the phase of the Moon are favorable for the Perseid Meteor Shower (August) and the Geminid Meteor Shower (December). Therefore, we can expect to see many meteors.

On July 31, Mars approaches the Earth. At closest approach, the distance between Earth and Mars is 57,590,000 kilometers. Mars and Earth approach each other every 2-years-and-2-months (26 months), but this is the first time the closest approach is closer than 60,000,000 kilometers since the closest approach of 2003, which was 55,760,000 kilometers. Around the closest approach is the best time to observe Mars.

Many astronomical events occur during 2018. It is a fascinating year for stargazing!