// This is the Database of Upcoming Events // Please Edit with Care. // // 8 Fields (surrounded by brackets[]) are used for EACH event: // ["Recurring", "Month", "Day", "Year", "StartTime", "EndTime", "Name", "Description"] // Each event field must be be surrounded by quotation marks followed by a comma ("",) EXCEPT the "Description" field. // The "Description" field is surrounded by quotation marks only (""). // // Each event has a comma after the closing bracket IF another event is below it on the next line down. // Note: The last event in this file should NOT have a comma after the closing bracket // // The Recurring field uses: // "D" = Daily; "W" = Weekly; "M" = Monthly; "Y" = Yearly; "F" = Floating Holiday // // One Time only events should leave the Recurring field blank // (ex. "") // // Daily events do NOT require that anything be in the Month Day and Year fields // Everything in the Month Day and Year fields will be ignored // // Weekly events should have the day of the week field set to 1 - 7 // 1=Sunday, 2=Monday, 3=Tuesday, 4=Wednesday, 5=Thurday, 6=Friday, 7=Saturday // // "F"loating events uses: // the Month field for the Month. // the Day field as the Cardinal Occurrence // 1=1st, 2=2nd, 3=3rd, 4=4th, 5=5th, 6=6th occurrence of the day listed next // the Year field as the Day of the week the event/holiday falls on // 1=Sunday, 2=Monday, 3=Tuesday, 4=Wednesday, 5=Thurday, 6=Friday, 7=Saturday // example: "F", "1", "3", "2", = Floating holiday in January on the 3rd Monday of that month. // // Note: Easter has it's own special formula so Please don't change anything related to Easter below // // "Y"early events are specific dates that never change - the Year field is ignored // example - Christmas is: "12","25","", events = new Array( ["", "2", "5", "2010", "01:49 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last Quarter."], ["", "2", "9", "2010", "-", "-", "Asteroid 2009 UN3 Close Approach", "This asteroid is just under a kilometer in size and will pass within 14.5 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. is should be visible in moderate or larger size telescopes near the border of the constellations Lepus and Columba. It will be a little easier to see in the southern hemisphere, where it will have an apparent movement of 50 arc seconds per minute, nearly fast enough to see the movement in the telescope."], ["", "2", "14", "2010", "4:51 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "2", "16", "2010", "-", "-", "Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus", "These two bright planets will come within half a degree of each other this evening. Unfortunately they will be quite close to the Sun and can easily get lost in the glare. Look slightly above and to the left of the setting Sun"], ["", "2", "22", "2010", "2:42 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "2", "28", "2010", "6:38 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full moon pm."], ["", "3", "7", "2010", "5:42 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter "], ["", "3", "15", "2010", "11:01 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "3", "20", "2010", "-", "-", "The Vernal Equinox ", "The Vernal Equinox occurs in the northern hemisphere at 17:32 UT. There will be equal amounts of day and night. This is also the first day of spring."], ["", "5", "22", "1010", "-", "-", "Saturn at Opposition. ", "The ringed planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. This is the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons. Saturn's rings will be nearly edge-on this year and will be very difficult to see."], ["", "3", "23", "2010", "1:00 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "3", "30", "2010", "4:25 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full Moon"], ["", "4", "6", "2010", "11:37 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter."], ["", "4", "14", "2010", "2:29 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "4", "17", "2010", "9:00 AM", "9:00 PM", "ScopeX 2010", "Telescope and Astronomy Expo, When: 17 April 2010, Time: 9am to 9pm (Star Party from 6pm), Where: Johannesburg National Military Museum (aka War Museum, next to the Zoo), Museum Entrance Fee: R22 adults, R11 senior citizens and children up to 18"], ["", "4", "21", "2010", "8:20 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "4", "21", "2010", "-", "-", "Lyrids Meteor Shower.", "The Lyrids are an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. These meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. This year's shower should peaks on the night of April 21 and the morning of the 22nd, although some meteors can be visible from April 16 - 25. The quarter moon will set early in the evening, leaving a dark sky for the best possible viewing in dark locations. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation of Lyra after midnight.."], ["", "4", "22", "2010", "-", "-", "Lyrids Meteor Shower.", "The Lyrids are an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. These meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. This year's shower should peaks on the night of April 21 and the morning of the 22nd, although some meteors can be visible from April 16 - 25. The quarter moon will set early in the evening, leaving a dark sky for the best possible viewing in dark locations. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation of Lyra after midnight"], ["", "4", "24", "2010", "-", "-", "Astronomy Day Part 1.", "Astronomy day is a grass roots movement to share the joys of astronomy with the general public. Two days this year have been designated as Astronomy Day. On these days astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out more about April's events by checking the Web site for for AstronomyDay.org and the Astronomical League"], ["", "4", "28", "2010", "2:18 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full Moon"], ["", "5", "5", "2010", "-", "-", "Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower", "The Eta Aquarids are a light shower, usually producing about 10 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on May 5 & 6, however viewing should be good on any morning from May 4 - 7. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight."], ["", "5", "6", "2010", "-", "-", "Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower", "The Eta Aquarids are a light shower, usually producing about 10 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on May 5 & 6, however viewing should be good on any morning from May 4 - 7. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight."], ["", "5", "6", "2010", "6:15 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter."], ["", "5", "14", "2010", "3:04 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon."], ["", "5", "21", "2010", "1:43 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "5", "28", "2010", "1:07 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full Moon"], ["", "6", "5", "2010", "12:13 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter"], ["", "6", "12", "2010", "1:15 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "6", "19", "2010", "6:30 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "6", "21", "2010", "-", "-", "The Summer Solstice", "The Summer Solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere at 11:28 UT. The Sun is at its highest point in the sky and it will be the longest day of the year. This is also the first day of summer."], ["", "6", "26", "2010", "1:30 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full Moon"], ["", "6", "26", "2010", "-", "-", "Partial Lunar Eclipse", "The eclipse will be visible throughout most of eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the western Americas. (NASA Eclipse Information)"], ["", "7", "4", "2010", "4:35 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter"], ["", "7", "11", "2010", "9:40 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "7", "11", "2010", "-", "-", "Total Solar Eclipse.", "The path of totality will only be visible in the southern Pacific Ocean, Easter Island, and parts of southern Chile and Argentina. A partial eclipse will be visible in many parts of southern South America. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information | NASA Eclipse Animation)"], ["", "7", "18", "2010", "12:11 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "7", "26", "2010", "3:37 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full moon"], ["", "7", "28", "2010", "-", "-", "Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower..", "The Delta Aquarids can produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on July 28 & 29, but some meteors can also be seen from July 18 - August 18. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight."], ["", "7", "29", "2010", "-", "-", "Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower..", "The Delta Aquarids can produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on July 28 & 29, but some meteors can also be seen from July 18 - August 18. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight."], ["", "8", "3", "2010", "6:59 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter"], ["", "8", "10", "2010", "5:08 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "8", "12", "2010", "-", "-", "Perseids Meteor Shower.", "The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. This year's shower should peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of the 13th, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. The thin, crescent moon will be out of the way early, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular show. For best viewing, look to the northeast after midnight."], ["", "8", "13", "2010", "-", "-", "Perseids Meteor Shower.", "The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. This year's shower should peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of the 13th, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. The thin, crescent moon will be out of the way early, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular show. For best viewing, look to the northeast after midnight."], ["", "8", "13", "2010", "-", "-", "Triple Conjunction with the Moon.", "The planets Venus, Mars, and Saturn will all be close to the thin, crescent moon on this evening. Look to the west just after sunset."], ["", "8", "16", "2010", "8:14 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "8", "20", "2010", "-", "-", "Neptune at Opposition.", "The blue planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. This is the best time to view Neptune, although it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes."], ["", "8", "24", "2010", "7:05 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full moon"], ["", "9", "1", "2010", "7:22 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter"], ["", "9", "8", "2010", "12:30 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "9", "15", "2010", "7:50 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "9", "16", "2010", "-", "-", "Final Space Shuttle Flight.", " IF all goes according to plan, this day will see the final flight of the Space Shuttle. The orbiter Discovery will depart on mission STS-133 and bring to a close the 30+ year era of space shuttles as the work horses of the United States space program. After this flight, the remaining shuttle orbiters will find their final resting places in museums across the country."], ["", "9", "21", "2010", "-", "-", "Jupiter at Opposition.", "The Solar System's largest planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons. The giant planet will be a big and bright as it gets in the night sky. A medium-sized telescope should be able to show you some of the details in Jupiter's cloud bands."], ["", "9", "22", "2010", "-", "-", "Uranus at Opposition.", "The blue-green planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. This is the best time to view Uranus, although it will only appear as a tiny blue-green dot in all but the most powerful telescopes"], ["", "9", "23", "2010", "-", "-", "The Autumnal Equinox", "The Autumnal Equinox occurs in the northern hemisphere at 03:09 UT. There will be equal amounts of day and night. This is also the first day of fall"], ["", "9", "23", "2010", "11:17 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full moon"], ["", "10", "1", "2010", "5:52 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter"], ["", "10", "7", "2010", "8:44 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "10", "14", "2010", "11:27 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "10", "16", "2010", "-", "-", "Astronomy Day Part 2", "Astronomy day is a grass roots movement to share the joys of astronomy with the general public. Two days this year have been designated as Astronomy Day. On these days astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out more about October's events by checking the Web sites for AstronomyDay.org and the Astronomical League."], ["", "10", "20", "2010", "-", "-", "Comet Hartley 2 ", "Comet Hartley 2 will make its closest approach to Earth, coming within 11.2 million miles. For a few days around October 20, the comet should be bright enough to view with the naked eye in the early morning sky. You will, however, need to be far away from the glow of city lights. Look to the east just before sunrise. In early November, NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft will observe comet Hartley 2 from a distance of about 600 miles."], ["", "10", "21", "2010", "-", "-", " Orionids Meteor Shower.", "The Orionids is an average shower producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. This shower usually peaks on the 21st, but it is highly irregular. A good show could be experienced on any morning from October 20 - 24, and some meteors may be seen any time from October 17 - 25. Best viewing will be to the east after midnight."], ["", "10", "22", "2010", "-", "-", " Orionids Meteor Shower. ", "The Orionids is an average shower producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. This shower usually peaks on the 21st, but it is highly irregular. A good show could be experienced on any morning from October 20 - 24, and some meteors may be seen any time from October 17 - 25. Best viewing will be to the east after midnight."], ["", "11", "6", "2010", "6:52 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "11", "13", "2010", "6:39 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "11", "17", "2010", "-", "-", " Leonids Meteor Shower. ", " The Leonids is one of the better meteor showers to observe, producing an average of 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower itself has a cyclic peak year every 33 years where hundreds of meteors can be seen each hour. The last of these occurred in 2001. The shower usually peaks on November 17 & 18, but you may see some meteors from November 13 - 20. Look for the shower radiating from the constellation Leo after midnight"], ["", "11", "21", "2010", "7:27 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full moon"], ["", "11", "28", "2010", "10:36 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Last quarter"], ["", "12", "5", "2010", "7:36 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "New moon"], ["", "12", "13", "2010", "3:59 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", "First quarter"], ["", "12", "13", "2010", "-", "-", "Geminids Meteor Shower", "Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, the Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak. The peak of the shower this year should occur on the night of December 13 and morning of the 14th, although some meteors should be visible from December 6 - 19. Some estimates say there could be as many as 120 meteors an hour visible from dark-sky locations. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Gemini. The Moon will set early in the evening setting the sky up for a spectacular show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight"], ["", "12", "14", "2010", "-", "-", "Geminids Meteor Shower", " Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, the Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak. The peak of the shower this year should occur on the night of December 13 and morning of the 14th, although some meteors should be visible from December 6 - 19. Some estimates say there could be as many as 120 meteors an hour visible from dark-sky locations. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Gemini. The Moon will set early in the evening setting the sky up for a spectacular show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight."], ["", "12", "21", "2010", "10:13 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", "Full moon"], ["", "12", "21", "2010", "-", "-", "The Winter Solstice", " The Winter Solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere at 23:38 UT. The Sun is at its lowest point in the sky and it will be the shortest day of the year. This is also the first day of winter."], ["", "12", "21", "2010", "-", "-", "Total Lunar Eclipse.", " The eclipse will be visible throughout most of eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, the Americas, and Europe. The eclipse will be visible after midnight in North and South America. Since the Moon will be almost directly overhead from these locations, this should be an excellent chance to view a rare total lunar eclipse. "], ["", "12", "28", "2010", "6:18 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Last quarter"], //Start 2011 ["", "1", "3", "2011", "-", "-", "Quadrantids Meteor Shower", " The Quadrantids are an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on January 3 & 4, but some meteors can be visible from January 1 - 5. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation Bootes."], ["", "1", "4", "2011", "-", "-", "Quadrantids Meteor Shower", " The Quadrantids are an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on January 3 & 4, but some meteors can be visible from January 1 - 5. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation Bootes."], ["", "1", "4", "2011", "9:03 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "1", "4", "2011", "-", "-", "Partial Solar Eclipse", " The partial eclipse will be visible in most parts of northern Africa, Europe, and Asia."], ["", "1", "19", "2011", "9:21 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "2", "3", "2011", "2:31 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "2", "18", "2011", "8:36 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "3", "4", "2011", "8:46 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "3", "19", "2011", "6:10 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "3", "20", "2011", "11:21 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " March Equinox"], ["", "4", "3", "2011", "2:32 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "4", "3", "2011", "-", "-", "Saturn at Opposition", " The ringed planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons."], ["", "4", "18", "2011", "2:44 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "4", "21", "2011", "-", "-", "Lyrids Meteor Shower", " The Lyrids are an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. These meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. The shower usually peaks on April 21 & 22, although some meteors can be visible from April 16 - 25. This year, the gibbous moon will hide most of the fainter meteors in its glare. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation of Lyra after midnight, and be sure to find a dark viewing location far from city lights."], ["", "4", "22", "2011", "-", "-", "Lyrids Meteor Shower", " The Lyrids are an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. These meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. The shower usually peaks on April 21 & 22, although some meteors can be visible from April 16 - 25. This year, the gibbous moon will hide most of the fainter meteors in its glare. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation of Lyra after midnight, and be sure to find a dark viewing location far from city lights."], ["", "5", "3", "2011", "6:51 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "5", "5", "2011", "-", "-", "Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Eta Aquarids are a light shower, usually producing about 10 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on May 5 & 6, however viewing should be good on any morning from May 4 - 7. A thin, crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what could be an good show. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight, far from city lights."], ["", "5", "6", "2011", "-", "-", "Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Eta Aquarids are a light shower, usually producing about 10 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on May 5 & 6, however viewing should be good on any morning from May 4 - 7. A thin, crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what could be an good show. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight, far from city lights."], ["", "5", "7", "2011", "-", "-", "Astronomy Day Part 1", " Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is - Bringing Astronomy to the People, - and on this day astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out about special local events by contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium. You can also find more about Astronomy Day by checking the Web site for the Astronomical League."], ["", "5", "11", "2011", "-", "-", "Conjunction of Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter", " The three planets will form a 2-degree long vertical line in the early morning sky. The planet Mars will also be visible nearby. Look to the east near sunrise."], ["", "5", "17", "2011", "11:09 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "6", "1", "2011", "9:03 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "6", "1", "2011", "-", "-", "Partial Solar Eclipse", " The partial eclipse will be visible in most parts eastern Asia, Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland."], ["", "6", "15", "2011", "-", "-", "Total Lunar Eclipse", " The eclipse will be visible throughout most of South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia."], ["", "6", "21", "2011", "5:16 PM", "-", "June Solstice", " The June solstice occurs at 17:16 UTC. The North Pole of the earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44 degrees north latitude. This is the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the southern hemisphere."], ["", "7", "1", "2011", "8:54 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "7", "1", "2011", "-", "-", "Partial Solar Eclipse", " This partial eclipse will only be visible off the coast of Antarctica."], ["", "7", "15", "2011", "6:40 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "7", "28", "2011", "-", "-", "Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Delta Aquarids can produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on July 28 & 29, but some meteors can also be seen from July 18 - August 18. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. This year the thin, crescent moon will be hanging around for the show, but it shouldn’t cause too many problems. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight from a dark location."], ["", "7", "29", "2011", "-", "-", "Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Delta Aquarids can produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on July 28 & 29, but some meteors can also be seen from July 18 - August 18. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. This year the thin, crescent moon will be hanging around for the show, but it shouldn’t cause too many problems. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight from a dark location."], ["", "7", "30", "2011", "6:40 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "8", "12", "2011", "-", "-", "Perseids Meteor Shower", " The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on August 13 & 14, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. The full moon will definitely be a problem this year, hiding the fainter meteors with its glare. But with up to 60 meteors per hour possible, it could still be a great show. Find a location far from city lights and look to the northeast after midnight."], ["", "8", "13", "2011", "-", "-", "Perseids Meteor Shower", " The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on August 13 & 14, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. The full moon will definitely be a problem this year, hiding the fainter meteors with its glare. But with up to 60 meteors per hour possible, it could still be a great show. Find a location far from city lights and look to the northeast after midnight."], ["", "8", "13", "2011", "6:57 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "8", "11", "2011", "-", "-", "Neptune at Opposition", " The blue planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view Neptune. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes."], ["", "8", "29", "2011", "3:04 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "9", "12", "2011", "9:27 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "9", "23", "2011", "9:05 AM", "-", "September Equinox", " The September equinox occurs at 09:05 UTC. The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the southern hemisphere."], ["", "9", "25", "2011", "-", "-", "Uranus at Opposition", " The blue-green planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view Uranus. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue-green dot in all but the most powerful telescopes."], ["", "9", "27", "2011", "11:09 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "10", "1", "2011", "-", "-", "Astronomy Day Part 2", " Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is - Bringing Astronomy to the People, - and on this day astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out about special local events by contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium. You can also find more about Astronomy Day by checking the Web site for the Astronomical League."], ["", "10", "12", "2011", "2:06 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "10", "16", "2011", "-", "-", "Comet Elinin", " Newly discovered comet Elinin will make its closest approach to the Earth on October 16. The comet was discovered on December 10, 2010 by Russian amateur astronomer Leonid Elenin. It is estimated that the comet will reach 6th magnitude as it makes its closest approach. This will make it just barely visible to the naked eye. With a good pair of binoculars and a little determination, you may be able to get a good look at this new comet during mid October."], ["", "10", "21", "2011", "-", "-", "Orionids Meteor Shower", " The Orionids is an average shower producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. This shower usually peaks on the 21st, but it is highly irregular. A good show could be experienced on any morning from October 20 - 24, and some meteors may be seen any time from October 17 - 25. The nearly last quarter moon may hide some of the faintest meteors this year. Best viewing will be to the east after midnight. Be sure to find a dark location far from city lights."], ["", "10", "22", "2011", "-", "-", "Orionids Meteor Shower", " The Orionids is an average shower producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. This shower usually peaks on the 21st, but it is highly irregular. A good show could be experienced on any morning from October 20 - 24, and some meteors may be seen any time from October 17 - 25. The nearly last quarter moon may hide some of the faintest meteors this year. Best viewing will be to the east after midnight. Be sure to find a dark location far from city lights."], ["", "10", "26", "2011", "7:56 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "10", "29", "2011", "-", "-", "Jupiter at Opposition", " The giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons. The giant planet will be a big and bright as it gets in the night sky. A medium-sized telescope should be able to show you some of the details in Jupiter's cloud bands. A good pair of binoculars should allow you to see Jupiter's four largest moons, appearing as bright dots on either side of the planet."], ["", "11", "8", "2011", "-", "-", "Asteroid 2005 YU55 Flyby", " An asteroid known as 2005 YU55 will make a close approach to the Earth. The large space rock, about 1,300 feet in diameter will pass closer than the Moon at 0.85 lunar distances. While it is not expected to pose a threat to the Earth, this extremely rare event presents a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers to observe the asteroid as it makes it closest approach to our planet. Many astronomy groups are planning to observe the event. Asteroids this large only pass close to the Earth about every 30 years."], ["", "11", "10", "2011", "8:16 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "11", "17", "2011", "-", "-", "Leonids Meteor Shower", " The Leonids is one of the better meteor showers to observe, producing an average of 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower itself has a cyclic peak year every 33 years where hundreds of meteors can be seen each hour. The last of these occurred in 2001. The shower usually peaks on November 17 & 18, but you may see some meteors from November 13 - 20. The nearly last quarter moon may hide some of the faintest meteors this year, but this should still be an excellent show. Look for the shower radiating from the constellation Leo after midnight."], ["", "11", "18", "2011", "-", "-", "Leonids Meteor Shower", " The Leonids is one of the better meteor showers to observe, producing an average of 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower itself has a cyclic peak year every 33 years where hundreds of meteors can be seen each hour. The last of these occurred in 2001. The shower usually peaks on November 17 & 18, but you may see some meteors from November 13 - 20. The nearly last quarter moon may hide some of the faintest meteors this year, but this should still be an excellent show. Look for the shower radiating from the constellation Leo after midnight."], ["", "11", "25", "2011", "6:10 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "11", "25", "2011", "-", "-", "Partial Solar Eclipse", " This partial eclipse will only be visible over Antarctica and parts of South Africa and Tasmania."], ["", "12", "10", "2011", "2:36 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "12", "10", "2011", "-", "-", "Total Lunar Eclipse", " The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Europe, eastern Africa, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the North America."], ["", "12", "13", "2011", "-", "-", "Geminids Meteor Shower", " Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, the Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak. The peak of the shower usually occurs around December 13 & 14, although some meteors should be visible from December 6 - 19. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Gemini. The gibbous moon will definitely interfere this year by hiding the faintest meteors, but with up to 60 meteors per hour possible, this should still be an excellent show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight from a dark location."], ["", "12", "14", "2011", "-", "-", "Geminids Meteor Shower", " Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, the Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak. The peak of the shower usually occurs around December 13 & 14, although some meteors should be visible from December 6 - 19. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Gemini. The gibbous moon will definitely interfere this year by hiding the faintest meteors, but with up to 60 meteors per hour possible, this should still be an excellent show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight from a dark location."], ["", "12", "22", "2011", "5:30 AM", "-", "December Solstice", " The December solstice occurs 05:30 UTC. The South Pole of the earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.44 degrees south latitude. This is the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the southern hemisphere."], ["", "11", "24", "2011", "6:06 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], //Start 2012 ["", "1", "3", "2012", "-", "-", "Quadrantids Meteor Shower", " The Quadrantids are an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on January 3 & 4, but some meteors can be visible from January 1 - 5. The near first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight, leaving dark skies for what should be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation Bootes."], ["", "1", "4", "2012", "-", "-", "Quadrantids Meteor Shower", " The Quadrantids are an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on January 3 & 4, but some meteors can be visible from January 1 - 5. The near first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight, leaving dark skies for what should be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation Bootes."], ["", "1", "9", "2012", "7:30 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "1", "23", "2012", "7:39 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "2", "7", "2012", "9:54 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "2", "21", "2012", "10:35 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "3", "3", "2012", "-", "-", "Mars at Opposition", " The red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Mars"], ["", "3", "8", "2012", "09:39 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "3", "14", "2012", "-", "-", "Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter", " The two bright planets will be within 3 degrees of each other in the evening sky"], ["", "3", "20", "2012", "05:14 AM", "-", "March Equinox", " The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring - vernal equinox - in the northern hemisphere and the first day of fall - autumnal equinox - in the southern hemisphere"], ["", "3", "22", "2012", "2:37 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "4", "6", "2012", "7:19 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "4", "15", "2012", "-", "-", "Saturn at Opposition", " The ringed planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons"], ["", "4", "21", "2012", "7:19 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "4", "21", "2012", "-", "-", "Lyrids Meteor Shower", " The Lyrids are an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. These meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. The shower usually peaks on April 21 & 22, although some meteors can be visible from April 16 - 25. With no moon to get in the way this year, this really should be a good show. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation of Lyra after midnight"], ["", "4", "22", "2012", "-", "-", "Lyrids Meteor Shower", " The Lyrids are an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. These meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. The shower usually peaks on April 21 & 22, although some meteors can be visible from April 16 - 25. With no moon to get in the way this year, this really should be a good show. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation of Lyra after midnight"], ["", "4", "28", "2012", "-", "-", "Moon PhasesAstronomy Day Part", " Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is 'Bringing Astronomy to the People,' and on this day astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out about special local events by contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium. You can also find more about Astronomy Day by checking the Web site for the Astronomical League"], ["", "5", "5", "2012", "-", "-", "Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Eta Aquarids are a light shower, usually producing about 10 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on May 5 & 6, however viewing should be good on any morning from May 4 - 7. The full moon will probably ruin the show this year, washing out all but the brightest meteors with its glare. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight, far from city lights"], ["", "5", "6", "2012", "-", "-", "Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Eta Aquarids are a light shower, usually producing about 10 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on May 5 & 6, however viewing should be good on any morning from May 4 - 7. The full moon will probably ruin the show this year, washing out all but the brightest meteors with its glare. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight, far from city lights"], ["", "5", "6", "2012", "3:35 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "5", "20", "2012", "11:47 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "5", "20", "2012", "-", "-", "Annular Solar Eclipse", " The path of annularity will begin in southern China and move east through Japan, the northern Pacific Ocean, and into the western United States. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout parts of eastern Asia and most of North America. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)"], ["", "6", "4", "2012", "11:12 AM", "-", "Partial Lunar Eclipse", " Full Moon"], ["", "6", "4", "2012", "-", "-", "Moon Phases", " The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Americas."], ["", "6", "5", "2012", "-", "-", "Transit of Venus Across the Sun", " This extremely rare event will be entirely visible throughout most of eastern Asia, eastern Australia, and Alaska. A partial transit can be seen in progress at sunrise throughout Europe, western Asia, and eastern Africa. A partial transit can be seen in progress at sunset throughout most of North America, Central America, and western South America. The next transit will not take place until the year 2117. (NASA Transit Information | NASA Transit Map)"], ["", "6", "6", "2012", "-", "-", "Transit of Venus Across the Sun", " This extremely rare event will be entirely visible throughout most of eastern Asia, eastern Australia, and Alaska. A partial transit can be seen in progress at sunrise throughout Europe, western Asia, and eastern Africa. A partial transit can be seen in progress at sunset throughout most of North America, Central America, and western South America. The next transit will not take place until the year 2117. (NASA Transit Information | NASA Transit Map)"], ["", "6", "19", "2012", "3:02 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "6", "20", "2012", "11:09 PM", "-", "June Solstice", " The North Pole of the earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44 degrees north latitude. This is the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the southern hemisphere"], ["", "7", "3", "2012", "6:52 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "7", "19", "2012", "4:24 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "7", "28", "2012", "-", "-", "Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Delta Aquarids can produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on July 28 & 29, but some meteors can also be seen from July 18 - August 18. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. The near first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight, leaving dark skies for what should be a good show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight"], ["", "7", "29", "2012", "-", "-", "Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower", " The Delta Aquarids can produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on July 28 & 29, but some meteors can also be seen from July 18 - August 18. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. The near first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight, leaving dark skies for what should be a good show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight"], ["", "8", "2", "2012", "3:27 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "8", "6", "2012", "-", "-", "Curiosity Rover at Mars", " Full MoonNASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is scheduled to land on the red planet between August 6 and August 20, 2012. Officially named Curiosity, it is an autonomous rover similar to the Spirit and Opportunity rovers that previously visited Mars. This much larger rover will carry many more instruments and experiments than its previous cousins. Curiosity’s high definition color cameras will photograph the Martian surface while a host of instruments will sample the soil and air and search for organic compounds"], ["", "8", "12", "2012", "-", "-", "Perseids Meteor Shower", " The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on August 13 & 14, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. The near last quarter moon will be hanging around for the show, but shouldn’t bee too much of a problem for a shower with up to 60 meteors per hour. Find a location far from city lights and look to the northeast after midnight"], ["", "8", "13", "2012", "-", "-", "Perseids Meteor Shower", " The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower's peak usually occurs on August 13 & 14, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. The near last quarter moon will be hanging around for the show, but shouldn’t bee too much of a problem for a shower with up to 60 meteors per hour. Find a location far from city lights and look to the northeast after midnight"], ["", "8", "17", "2012", "3:54 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "8", "24", "2012", "-", "-", "Neptune at Opposition", " The blue planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view Neptune. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes."], ["", "8", "31", "2012", "1:58 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "9", "16", "2012", "2:11 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "9", "22", "2012", "2:49 PM", "-", "September Equinox", " The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the southern hemisphere"], ["", "9", "29", "2012", "-", "-", "Uranus at Opposition", " The blue-green planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view Uranus. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue-green dot in all but the most powerful telescopes."], ["", "9", "30", "2012", "3:19 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "10", "20", "2012", "-", "-", "Astronomy Day Part 2", " Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is 'Bringing Astronomy to the People,' and on this day astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out about special local events by contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium. You can also find more about Astronomy Day by checking the Web site for the Astronomical League"], ["", "10", "15", "2012", "12:01 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "10", "21", "2012", "-", "-", "Orionids Meteor Shower", " The Orionids is an average shower producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. This shower usually peaks on the 21st, but it is highly irregular. A good show could be experienced on any morning from October 20 - 24, and some meteors may be seen any time from October 17 - 25. The first quarter moon will set by midnight, leaving a dark sky for what should be a good show. Best viewing will be to the east after midnight. Be sure to find a dark location far from city lights"], ["", "10", "22", "2012", "-", "-", "Orionids Meteor Shower", " The Orionids is an average shower producing about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. This shower usually peaks on the 21st, but it is highly irregular. A good show could be experienced on any morning from October 20 - 24, and some meteors may be seen any time from October 17 - 25. The first quarter moon will set by midnight, leaving a dark sky for what should be a good show. Best viewing will be to the east after midnight. Be sure to find a dark location far from city lights"], ["", "10", "29", "2012", "7:49 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "11", "13", "2012", "10:08 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "11", "13", "2012", "-", "-", "Total Solar Eclipse", " The path of totality will only be visible in parts of extreme northern Australia and the southern Pacific Ocean. A partial eclipse will be visible in most parts of eastern Australia and New Zealand."], ["", "11", "17", "2012", "-", "-", "Leonids Meteor Shower", " The Leonids is one of the better meteor showers to observe, producing an average of 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower itself has a cyclic peak year every 33 years where hundreds of meteors can be seen each hour. The last of these occurred in 2001. The shower usually peaks on November 17 & 18, but you may see some meteors from November 13 - 20. The crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Look for the shower radiating from the constellation Leo after midnight, and be sure to find a dark location for viewing"], ["", "11", "18", "2012", "-", "-", "Leonids Meteor Shower", " The Leonids is one of the better meteor showers to observe, producing an average of 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower itself has a cyclic peak year every 33 years where hundreds of meteors can be seen each hour. The last of these occurred in 2001. The shower usually peaks on November 17 & 18, but you may see some meteors from November 13 - 20. The crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Look for the shower radiating from the constellation Leo after midnight, and be sure to find a dark location for viewing"], ["", "11", "27", "2012", "_", "-", "Conjunction of Venus and Saturn", " These two bright planets will be within 1 degree of each other in the morning sky. Look to the east around sunrise"], ["", "11", "28", "2012", "2:46 PM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"], ["", "11", "28", "2012", "-", "-", "Penumbral Lunar Eclipse", " The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Europe, eastern Africa, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and North America."], ["", "12", "3", "2012", "-", "-", "Jupiter at Opposition", " The giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons"], ["", "12", "13", "2012", "8:42 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " New Moon"], ["", "12", "13", "2012", "-", "-", "Geminids Meteor Shower", " Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, the Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak. The peak of the shower usually occurs around December 13 & 14, although some meteors should be visible from December 6 - 19. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Gemini. This year the new moon will guarantee a dark sky for what should be an awesome show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight from a dark location"], ["", "12", "14", "2012", "-", "-", "Geminids Meteor Shower", " Considered by many to be the best meteor shower in the heavens, the Geminids are known for producing up to 60 multicolored meteors per hour at their peak. The peak of the shower usually occurs around December 13 & 14, although some meteors should be visible from December 6 - 19. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Gemini. This year the new moon will guarantee a dark sky for what should be an awesome show. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight from a dark location"], ["", "12", "21", "2012", "11:12 AM", "-", "December Solstice", " The South Pole of the earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.44 degrees south latitude. This is the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the southern hemisphere"], ["", "12", "28", "2012", "10:21 AM", "-", "Moon Phases", " Full Moon"] // Please omit the final comma after the ] from the last line above unless you are going to add another event at this time. );