Fall Celestial Calendar
The Haliburton Highlands’ autumn skies offer a captivating backdrop for both seasoned astronomers and curious stargazers. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the fall celestial calendar reveals a stunning array of stars and planets, allowing for a deeper connection with the universe.
This season is perfect for those seeking to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos or simply to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. The clear, cool nights of fall provide ideal conditions for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Did you know that some of the best celestial events, like meteor showers and the appearance of distant planets, occur during the fall? The crisp autumn air and earlier sunsets make it an excellent time to explore the wonders of the night sky in the Haliburton Highlands dark sky area.
Sep 17/18: Partial Lunar Eclipse
This partial lunar eclipse of the Harvest Moon will be visible from North & South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Sep 18: Super Harvest Moon
In many Native American cultures, September’s Full Moon is called the Full Corn Moon. This year, it is also the Full Moon closest to the September equinox, making it 2024’s Harvest Moon as well. It is also a Supermoon.
How to take pictures of the Full Moon
Mdaamini-Giizis – Recognition of the Moon
Sep 22: September Equinox
Also known as the autumnal (fall) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the September Equinox is considered by many as the first day of fall.
September equinox celebrations around the world
Oct 2: Annular Solar Eclipse
A ‘ring of fire’ will be visible in the sky across Easter Island and parts of southern Chile and Argentina, if weather permits.
Oct 2: Micro New Moon
The first of two New Moons in October is a Micromoon—which explains why today’s solar eclipse is annular, not total.
Oct 8/9: Draconid Meteor Shower
The best time to see the shooting stars of the peaking Draconids is just after nightfall.
Oct 17: Super Hunter’s Moon
The October Full Moon is traditionally called the Hunter’s Moon. In 2024, this is the second—and final—Super Full Moon of the year.
Binaakwe-Giizis – Recognition of the Moon
Oct 20/21: Orionid Meteor Shower
The Orionids are the second meteor shower in October. The shower peaks around October 20-21 but usually remains active between October 2 and November 7.
Nov 1: New Moon
The New Moon phase is the best time to explore the night sky. Find planets, stars, and constellations using our Interactive Night Sky Map!
Nov 15: Full Moon / Beaver Moon
November’s Full Moon is traditionally called a Beaver Moon, after beavers that build their dams during this time of the year.
Can you see the far side of the Moon?
Bashkakodini-Giizis – Recognition of the Moon
Nov 16: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
Find Mercury with our Interactive Night Sky Map
Nov 17/18: Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonids shooting stars are visible between November 6 and 30, and peak on the night of November 17 and early morning of November 18, with up to 15 meteors per hour.
Dec 1: New Moon
There are two New Moons in December 2024. The first one falls on the first day of the month, at 06:21 UTC.
Dec 7: Jupiter at Opposition
The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter, lies opposite the Sun in the sky, and is visible all night.
Find Jupiter with our Interactive Night Sky Map
Dec 14/15: Geminid Meteors
Normally one of the best meteor showers of the year, the Geminids peak around the night of December 14 and early morning hours of December 15. This year, alas, a bright Full Moon will reduce the number of meteors that can be spotted.
Dec 15: Cold Moon
One of the traditional names for the Full Moon in December is the Cold Moon.
How to take pictures of the Full Moon
Mnidoo-Giisoons – Recognition of the Moon
Dec 21: December Solstice
The December solstice will take place at 09:20 UTC. Also known as the winter solstice, it is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year and is called the summer solstice.
HALIBURTON FOREST’S ASTRONOMY PROGRAM
Nestled within the Haliburton Highlands, the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve remains a beacon for stargazing enthusiasts. Even as summer fades, the pristine darkness of the Autumn Season’s sky offers an expansive canvas for celestial wonders, far from the intrusion of city lights.
Although their Astronomy Program runs through July and August, fall visitors can still book an overnight stay to experience the unobstructed beauty of the night sky. Fall’s crisp, clear nights provide an ideal setting for an unforgettable stargazing adventure.
VIEWING CONDITIONS
If you wish to see what the viewing conditions will be for your visit, please click here.