Zero Genie

NEW MEXICO – Keep your eyes to the sky, New Mexico, many spectacular astronomical events are in the stars for 2023.

Full moons and new moons are monthly phenomena people can count on, but comets, meteor showers and several eclipses are also expected this year. There are also various dates throughout the year when it is easier to spot the planets based on their orbital paths.

Comet ZTF, or the Green Comet, will be visible in February, making its closest approach to Earth – about 26 million miles away. According to Farmers’ Almanac, the comet may never again travel this close to Earth.

The Astronomical Society of Las Cruces hosts monthly events for members of the public, including Moongaze events on the Plaza de Las Cruces and chances for observing in the wider Doña Ana County area. The New Mexico State University Department of Astronomy also hosts open houses on the main campus for members of the public to enjoy and learn.

Here is a list of astronomical events in 2023 that will be visible from New Mexico. There are a few more eclipses anticipated this year but will not be visible from North America.

January

• Jan. 28: Moongaze event at Plaza de Las Cruces (Astronomical Society of Las Cruces)

February

• Feb. 1: Green Comet travels closest distance to Earth
• Feb. 5:  Full Snow Micro Moon
• Feb. 11: “Plutomania” at the Museum of Nature & Science
• Feb. 11: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• Feb. 20: Super New Moon

March

• March 3: NMSU open house
• March 7: Full Worm Moon
• March 21: New Moon

April

• April 1: Moongaze (ASLC)
• April 5: Full Pink Moon
• April 14: Rockhound State Park public viewing (ASLC)
• April 15: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• April 15: City of Rocks State Park public observing (ASLC)
• April 19: New Moon
• April 23: Lyrid Meteor Shower
• April 20: Earthshine (unlit part of the moon is temporarily visible, known as Da Vinci Glow)
• April 28: NMSU Open House
• April 29: Moongaze (ASLC)

May

• May 5: Full Flower Moon
• May 6: Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower
• May 13: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• May 19: Black New Moon
• May 19: Earthshine
• May 19: Rockhound State Park public observing (ASLC)
• May 20: City of Rocks State Park public observing (ASLC)
• May 27: Moongaze (ASLC)

June

• June 3: Full Strawberry Moon
• June 10: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• June 17: New Moon
• June 24: Moongaze (ASLC)

July

• July 3: Super Full Buck Moon
• July 15: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• July 17: New Moon
• July 29: Moongaze (ASLC)
• July 30: Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower

August

• Aug. 1: Super Full Sturgeon Moon
• Aug. 12: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• Aug. 13: Perseids Meteor Shower
• Aug. 16: New Moon
• Aug. 26: Moongaze (ASLC)
• Aug. 30: Super Full Blue Moon

September

• Sept. 9: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• Sept. 14: New Moon
• Sept. 23: Moongaze (ASLC)
• Sept. 29: Full Harvest Moon

October

• Oct. 7: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• Oct. 14: Annual solar eclipse
• Oct. 14: New Moon
• Oct. 21: Moongaze (ASLC)
• Oct. 22: Orionids Meteor Shower
• Oct. 28: Full Hunter’s Moon

November

• Nov. 4: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• Nov. 5: Southern Taurids Meteor Shower
• Nov. 11-12: Northern Taurids Meteor Shower
• Nov. 13: New Moon
• Nov. 18: Leonids Meteor Shower
• Nov. 18: Moongaze (ASLC)
• Nov. 27: Full Beaver Moon

December

• Dec. 2: Leasburg Dam State Park public observing (ASLC)
• Dec. 12: New Moon
• Dec. 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower
• Dec. 16: Moongaze (ASLC)
• Dec. 23: Ursids Meteor Shower
• Dec. 26: Full Cold Moon

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Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.