Researchers say our Sun contains many more sunspots than they previously thought. Therefore, NASA predicts the appearance of 20 to 30 magnetic storms on Earth in 2024. Of these, 15% can reach maximum intensity.
‘Devil’s Comet’
The list begins with one of the most anticipated events in the astronomical community: the passage of 12P/Pons-Brooks, the “Devil’s Comet”. The star is huge, about 29 km wide (3 times larger than Mount Everest). Scientists say it’s a “cold volcano” that throws out ice and gas. This creates a horn-shaped tail, which gave it the nickname.
12P/Pons-Brooks is currently moving towards the Sun at around 20 km per second, attracted by the star’s gravitational force. As it approaches, the rock can reach 160,000 km/h. The next “meeting” should only take place in 2095 .
What will happen to earth in 2024?
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
On March 25, 2024, there will be a lunar eclipse. The Moon will be in the Earth’s penumbral cone. This is the lightest shadow that the Earth can cast. The event can be viewed from America, West Africa, Australia, and Western Europe.
Total solar eclipse
On April 8 , a total solar eclipse will occur, but only in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In these places, people will be able to see the dark sky, as if it were night, and the Moon completely covering the passage of the Sun’s light. In other places, like here in Brazil, nothing changes.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
In September, between the 17th and 18th , North and South America, Europe, Western Asia and Africa receive a partial lunar eclipse. With a peak at 11:44 pm, part of the Moon will enter the Earth’s shadow, and it will be possible to see part of our planet’s silhouette.
Annular Solar Eclipse
On October 2, 2024, we will see a special eclipse. The Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun. This will make an annular solar eclipse. People in Argentina and Chile can see it clearly. However, people in southern North America, much of South America and Antarctica can view it partially.
Supermoons
Supermoons occur when Earth’s natural satellite is in the Full phase and at the closest point in its orbit to Earth. In 2024, this moment will happen twice, and on very close dates: September 18th and October 17th .
Harvest Moon
On September 18th , the Moon will be in the constellation Pisces. Traditionally, it is called the “Harvest Moon” as its light reflection helped farmers work late into the night.
Super Hunter’s Moon
On October 17th, we’ll see the “Super Hunter’s Moon” linked to a good time for Native Americans to hunt. The star will remain in Pisces.
meteor showers
- January 4th – Quadrantids
- January 19 – Gamma Ursae Minorid
- February 9 – Alpha Centaurid
- March 15 – Gamma Normid
- April 22 – Líridas
- April 23 – Pi Puppid
- May 5 – Eta Aquariid
NASA has revealed plans for 2024
- Artemis II Mission to the Moon (November 2024):
- Four astronauts will fly around the Moon in the Artemis II mission.
- important mission of the year.
- VIPER Rover to Explore Moon’s South Pole:
- NASA will send the VIPER rover to the Moon’s south pole.
- The rover will look for water ice, an important resource for future lunar bases.
- Europa Clipper Mission to Jupiter’s Moon:
- NASA plans to launch the Europa Clipper mission.
- It will explore Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, to see if it could support extraterrestrial life.
- Lunar Landers and Rovers:
- Small and large landers and lunar rovers will be sent to the Moon.
- VIPER rover’s landing is a key responsibility for NASA.
- Exploring Icy Moons of Jupiter and Saturn:
- NASA aims to study subglacial oceans of Jupiter’s moons for potential signs of life.
- The Europa Clipper mission is a step towards understanding these icy moons.
- Interest in SpaceX’s Starship Project:
- NASA is interested in SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft.
- Starship is designed to regularly transport people and cargo to the Moon and even Mars.
- Continued Support for ISS and Space Research:
- NASA will support missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
- Scientific research in space will continue.
- James Webb Space Observatory:
- The James Webb Space Observatory will contribute to space discoveries.
- It challenges established cosmology theories and helps create new ones.
- Expecting More Space Events:
- This is not the complete list of NASA’s plans for the new year.
- NASA aims to cover a wide range of space events in the coming year.
