LOCAL

These astronomical events will be visible from New Mexico in 2023

Las Cruces Sun-News

Aaron Muñoz, 11, a sixth-grader at Vista Middle School, uses a pin hole viewer to watch as the solar eclipse begins over Las Cruces on Monday Aug. 21, 2017.

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.