2021 Celestial Events
2020 brought tons of exciting astronomical events that stargazers went gaga over – including the great conjunction and impressive comets. This year, there’s tons to look forward to! From meteor showers and supermoons, to a total solar eclipse, we’re already planning our outdoor viewing spot. (Hint: pick a remote place away from city lights – like any of the 100,000+ campsites on Campspot!)
Whether you’re a long-time stargazer or have just picked up a newfound quarantine hobby, here are 5 celestial events to mark on your calendar.
April 26-27: Full Supermoon
You’ve probably seen tons of full moons in your lifetime, but have experienced a supermoon? This rare event happens when the full moon occurs at perigee — the point at which the moon appears closest to the Earth in its orbit. This makes the moon look brighter and closer to Earth
May 26: Total Lunar Eclipse
Happening every 2.5 years, a total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the Earth’s shadow. The Sun, Earth, and Moon need to be exactly aligned and a total lunar eclipse can happen only on the night of a full moon. During the eclipse, you’ll see the Earth’s shadow creeping across the Moon’s face. The shadow will look dark, until it completely covers the Moon. Then, during the time of totality, the shadow on the Moon’s face changes, creating a breathtaking red hue. This is definitely a celestial event not to be missed!
June 10: Annular Solar Eclipse
Though folks in the United States may only see a partial eclipse on June 10th given the position of Earth during the time, it will still be a sight to see! Grab your telescope and popcorn. Solar eclipses happen when the Moon covers the Sun’s center. What’s left is the Sun’s outer edges which form a ring around the Moon and looks like a ring of fire – cool!
August 12: Perseid Meteor Shower
With fireballs (or large explosions of light and color) blasting through the night sky – the Perseid Meteor Shower is surely an astronomical event to look forward to. It’s best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the pre-dawn hours, though at times it is possible to view the meteors as early as 10 p.m. Either way, planning your camping trip around this event will have the whole crew excited for the action in the sky!
December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower
This is the strongest meteor shower of the year so grab your coats and mittens because you won’t want to miss it. Up to 50 meteors per hour are expected! As always and for best viewing, find a remote location, free of city lights and obstructions.
Now that you have 2021’s astronomical calendar of top events at your fingertips, it will be easy to plan your outdoor camping vacation! Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking your RV, or glamping in a cabin, your family will love gathering around at night with s’mores for the celestial viewing.
Campgrounds for Peak Stargazing
Two Lakes Camping Area in Oxford, Maine
Right on the banks of Hogan Pond in lower Maine, this campground is miles from any light pollution. Pitch a tent, hook up your RV, or settle into a rustic cabin as you look upwards and take in all there is to see.
Roadrunners Travelers RV Park in Terlingua, TX
Enjoy the outdoors at this spacious campground – just 4.3 miles from Big Bend National Park area. With lots of room to spread out, and clear open spaces, adventure is just around the bend!
Dark Sky Campground in Kanab, UT
It’s in the name! Natural, quiet, dark, and stunningly beautiful respite for travelers. Their spacious sites offer incredible sunrises and sunsets and the darkest skies in Southern Utah. Plus, this is a great home base to explore the surrounding Zion, and Arches areas.
Jellystone Park™ Natural Bridge in Natural Bridge Station, VA
This family-friendly campground offers accommodation options, amenities and activities along the James River in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Find a spot out from the trees, and settle in for an evening of stargazing!
Time to book?
With all these events happening, it’s time to check your calendar, check Campspot, and put something in the books for 2021! Get started today.