Don’t Miss The 11 Best Stargazing Events That Will Light Up The Indiana Sky In 2022
Every year, there are a number of fabulously exciting celestial events in Indiana (and everywhere else, really) happening in the skies above us. They range from the average (like full or new moons) to the extraordinary (planetary conjunctions, anyone?), but no matter where in the Hoosier state you are, 2022 is sure to be a busy year for night sky enthusiasts like us! Here’s a sampling of things you can look forward to next year.
January 7th: Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation
This means that the little planet may be more visible than usual if you have clear access to the horizon; it may appear illuminated in the low western sky very shortly after sunset. Mercury will later reach its western elongation on February 16th, flipping the rules; it'll be visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise at that time.
This shower is a moderate one, with around 20 meteors per hour at its peak. Although the waning gibbous moon could be an issue drowning out the fainter ones, the meteors will still appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, and the brighter ones should be visible despite the moonlight.
This one is a little more spectacular if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, but up here in the Northern Hemisphere, we can expect to see around 30 meteors per hour at the peak of this shower. Like just about all meteor showers, this one will peak late on May 6th into the very early hours of May 7th. The moon will be waxing crescent, so it isn't likely to be a major issue when it comes to admiring the magical beauty of this shower.
Woo hoo! What a treat. A total lunar eclipse happens when the moon passes through Earth's shadow in its entirety. The moon will get darker and darker until it takes on a spooky rust color. This one is a can't miss! The eclipse is visible to all of Indiana, weather permitting.
Another annual meteor shower for our viewing pleasure peaks late on the night of July 28th-early morning of July 29th. This one is a more moderate one, with about 20 meteors per hour at its peak, and will appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius.
One of the most major meteor showers of the year will light up the Indiana sky late-night August 12th to early-morning August 13th. Unfortunately, a nearly-full moon at this time will drown out all but the brightest of the bright. It'll still be worth it, though! As always, this shower appears to radiate from Perseus.
On this night, Saturn will appear at its closest to Earth and will be fully illuminated by the sun. It's the brightest that the gas giant will appear all year, and it's visible from twilight to dawn.
It's as if nature was saving the best for last because this particular meteor shower is not something you'll want to miss! The biggest shower of the year produces up to 120 meteors per hour during its peak, and they tend to be brightly colored. A waning gibbous moon might drown out some fainter meteors, but there are so many that fall during this shower that we don't think that's going to impede your viewing experience much at all.
This list is in no way exhaustive- if you’d like to see a complete list of celestial goodies to anticipate this year, check out this website. It’s quite helpful! What have been the coolest celestial events in Indiana you’ve ever seen? Tell us all about it in the comments! To fully experience these awesome night-sky events, you might want to consider doing so from a dark sky city.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Celestial Events in Indiana
October 18, 2021
Tori Jane
Where can I go stargazing in Indiana?
Indiana is one of those states where almost everywhere – except for maybe the bigger cities – is great for stargazing. Much of the Hoosier State just happens to be rural and out-of-the-way, and the great news is that that’s the best possible conditions for those of us who enjoy the night sky to truly enjoy it! Some spots around these parts do happen to be more ideal than others for the perfect stargazing night out; for example, Indiana Dunes National Park is an absolutely incredible place for seeing the billions of stars overhead. Turkey Run State Park is another really good one perfect for dark-sky settings. To maximize the awesome details you’ll be able to see in the night sky, make sure to arrive at your chosen destination and shut off all lights, including your phone. You’ll want to let your eyes adjust to the dark for 15-20 minutes. After that, you’ll be amazed at the incredible detail, depth, and beauty of our night sky.
What are some truly beautiful sights in Indiana?
Well, other than the night sky, you mean? We’re glad you asked, friend! Indiana is full of amazing places and breathtaking natural beauty; it’s home to countless waterfalls, woodlands, rivers, lakes, streams, and even canyons and a table rock formation! Visit Marengo Cave if you’re a fan of the underground (literally). Pokagon State Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, Clifty Falls State Park, and Turkey Run State Park are all well-known for their incredible beauty. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, you’ll have to see Cataract Falls, which is an amazing waterfall (the largest by volume in the state!) that you’ll have to see to believe. For a more in-depth list of our favorite must-see beautiful sights and spots in Indiana, you’ll want to check this article out!
Tori Jane Ostberg plays with tornadoes for fun. When she's not out chasing the biggest and baddest storms mama nature has to offer, she can usually be found writing something, somewhere, or exploring the United States with her camera.
