3 Astronomical Events to See With Senior Stargazers This Month
Ann Arbor is a delightful city for stargazers. We're far enough away from the intense city glow of Detroit to see some outstanding astronomical events, and our northern location on the planet means we can view rare events without traveling.
Today, the Senior Helpers team of Ann Arbor is here to cover three astronomical events you can enjoy with your loved one. We'll also provide some stargazing tips to help you make these events memorable.
3 Astronomical Events to Witness in Ann Arbor in December 2022 and January 2023
The Geminids Meteor Shower, December 13-14
NASA calls the Geminids Meteor Shower a "gift from the cosmos." If the weather is perfect — that's rare, we know — you'll witness 100 to 150 meteors per hour as soon as it gets dark. This year, a waning gibbous moon means Ann Arbor residents will probably see 30 to 40 visible meteors per hour. But the Geminids are so bright that this will be a terrific show for stargazers.
The Ursids Meteor Shower, December 22
The Ursids Meteor Shower starts on December 17, but it will peak for Ann Arbor residents on December 22 and continue for a few more days. Per NASA, that's when the earth will pass through a dust stream created by the periodic comet known as Tuttle.
Every time Tuttle passes by, it leaves thin trails of dust. And when a particle of that dust strikes our atmosphere, it can become a blazing shooting star. The winter solstice (the year's longest night) is December 21. So, mark your calendar for the 22nd and enjoy the show, the night will be long and dark.
The New Moon, January 2
The new moon is a monthly occurrence, so many people don't consider this a specific astronomical event. However, the new moon in January occurs close to the solstice, so you'll have plenty of time to see the night sky at its best.
During that limited moonlight, you'll have a chance to see planets like:
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Mercury
Significant stars like Deneb, Vega, and Altair will shine brightly. No telescope is needed!
Now that we've covered three upcoming events, let's talk about how to get the most out of them with your loved one.
Stargazing Tips for Family Caregivers
Aside from a broad view of the sky, an incredible stargazing experience is all about creature comforts and company. Ann Arbor nights are frigid, so help your family member dress warmly in several layers. Treat this as an opportunity to trot out their best cold-weather accessories, including extra warm boots, hats, scarves, and gloves. A box of hand warmers will come in handy (see what we did there?)
Be sure to:
- Pack some tasty snacks which are easy to manage in the dark, like a can of nuts, trail mix, or potato chips.
- Bring a thermos of something hot, like hot cocoa or hot cider.
- Avoid alcohol. It can make your loved one feel warmer than they should, cause dehydration, and might make them sleepy.
Plan your night early and find an excellent spot for stargazing. Backyards are good for impromptu stargazing in Ann Arbor, but you'll get the best visual experience far away from any city glow. If you drive to a park or remote location, tell others where you're going and get there thirty minutes early, so your eyes adjust to the darkness in time for the show.
We hope you've enjoyed our article about upcoming astronomical events in Ann Arbor. Check out our website to learn about caregiving or reach a consultant for outstanding in-home elder care.