No matter where you are on Earth.

As a photographer, you're always looking for great photo opportunities, right?

To find them...

It's essential to get inspired, be more creative, pick a great location and come up with different photo ideas with the Sun, the Moon, the Milky Way, Star Trails, lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, Meteor Showers, Moon-planet conjunctions, Moon-planet occultations, multiple planet conjunctions, comets, planet transits across the Sun...

The possibilities are endless.

But the problem is...

How are you going to photograph all these magical events if you don't know when they happen?

Well, you're in luck because I've done (almost) all the work for you! ;)

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to imagine, plan and shoot the best astronomical events in 2020.

Everything!

From a complete 2020 astronomy calendar (including the most important celestial events) and multiple inspiring images to step by step guides on how to plan your photo ideas with PhotoPills and on how to actually photograph each one of these events.

And the good news is that you'll be able to photograph most of the astronomical events on this calendar with your camera. Nevertheless, you may need a telescope for some of them (and/or a solar filter plus a pair of solar eclipse glasses!).

I have organized the events on the calendar by date. For certain events, I also have included the time it happens in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as a base reference.

Obviously, you can use the PhotoPills Planner to convert UTC times into your local time. All you have to do is:

On the Planner, move the Red Pin and place it in Iceland, whose local time is always equivalent to UTC (GMT+0 time zone) and it has no winter/summer time (DST or Daylight Saving Time).

Once the Red Pin is in Iceland, set the UTC time of the event using the Time Bar.

Then, move the Red Pin to where you want to plan the photo. The UTC time will automatically convert to the local time of the location you choose.

So tell me!

Are you ready to experience some amazing and unique space events?

Feel free to use this guide as a reference and check it out as the year goes by!

“Do not look at stars as bright spots only. Try to take in the vastness of the universe.“ - Maria Mitchell

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Content

1. The 2020 astronomy calendar highlights

Before we begin...

Don't panic.

Even though throughout this guide you'll read about many astronomical terms, there's nothing to worry about them! But if you see that there's still something you don't understand, I have written a glossary (section 16) in which you'll find all the explanations you need.

This way you'll increase your astronomy knowledge and you'll know exactly what you want to photograph and how you want to do it. It's key when you're imagining and planning the photo!

What's worth the effort in 2020?

From the celestial point of view, 2020 is a special year. Make the most out of it!

You have the possibility to photograph two solar eclipses (one total and one annular), four lunar eclipses (all penumbral), two Supermoons and a great conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn. All are very special moments that can be the basis of unique and magical images...

In addition to this there is the Milky Way, of course. Its Galactic Center begins to be visible at the end of January in many parts of the world. And it becomes invisible in November from anywhere on Earth.

And don't forget the zodiacal light, visible in spring and fall in both hemispheres.

2020 is a good year to photograph Meteor Showers as most of them peak on days when there won't be a lot of Moon. So, in general, the conditions to capture a powerful Meteor Shower will be great. This is the case of the Lyrids, the Perseids, the Orionids, the Leonids and the Geminids.

The peak of Quadrantids, the Eta Aquariids, the Delta Aquariids, and the Ursids occurs during a crescent Moon.

But you can still photograph them when the Moon sets (use PhotoPills to know the Moonset times. Or even better, use the Meteor Shower Pill to figure out whether is worth it to photograph them or not.

Unfortunately, it's not a good year to observe comets: few are visible and those you can see are not too bright (their magnitude is relatively high).

That said, let's go with what really matters ;)

A summary of the 2020 highlights

This table is a summary of the most important astronomical events of 2020.

Moreover, throughout this guide you will find a section detailing the most important events for each month of the year, including the areas where they are visible.

Your location on Earth will determine which events you'll be able to photograph and which you won't. So you should use PhotoPills to get out of doubt, to quickly find out if an event is visible or not in your location (or where you want to go to photograph it) and to plan your photo of the event down to the last detail (section 14).

Date Event Comments January 3-4 Quadrantids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 61.0%. January 10-11 Penumbral lunar eclipse Visible throughout throughout eastern South America, the eastern Atlantic Ocean, most of Europe, Africa, Asia, and western Australia. January 10 Full Moon January 11-12 Manhattanhenge (sunrise) Best locations: 14th Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, 57th Street y 79th Street. February 9 Full Moon February 10 Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly after sunset. February 23 New Moon The Milky Way season starts in February in the Southern Hemisphere. March 9 Full Moon (Supermoon) March 18 Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (occultation) March 19 Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter (occultation) March 20 Spring/fall equinox This is the best time to photograph the zodiacal light. March 23 Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly before sunrise. March 24 Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation This is the best time to view Venus since it’s so bright that it becomes the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. March 24 New Moon The Milky Way season starts in March in the Northern Hemisphere. April 8 Full Moon (Supermoon) April 21-22 Lyrids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 0.8%. April 23 New Moon May 5-6 Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 99.3%. May 7 Full Moon May 13 Comet C/2017 T2 (PANSTARRS) at perihelion The comet makes its closest approach to the Sun. May 22 New Moon May 29-30 Manhattanhenge (sunset) Best locations: 14th Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, 57th Street y 79th Street. June 4 Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly after sunset. June 5 Full Moon June 5-6 Penumbral lunar eclipse Visible throughout eastern Europe, eastern Africa, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and most of Australia. June 19 Conjunction of the Moon and Venus (occultation) June 20 Summer (or winter) solstice It marks the longest (or shortest) day of the year. June 21 Annular solar eclipse Visible in areas of central Africa, Pakistan, western India, southern China, and Taiwan. June 21 New Moon July 4-5 Penumbral lunar eclipse Visible throughout North America, Central America, South America, and western Africa. July 5 Full Moon July 11-12 Manhattanhenge (sunset) Best locations: 14th Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, 57th Street y 79th Street. July 14 Jupiter at opposition It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible throughout the night. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons. July 20 New Moon July 29-30 Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 85.2%. August 3 Full Moon August 3 Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (occultation) August 12-13 Perseids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 41.9%. August 13 Venus at Greatest Western Elongation This is the best time to view Venus since it’s so bright that it becomes the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. August 19 New Moon September 2 Full Moon September 6 Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (occultation) September 11 Neptune at opposition It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible throughout the night. September 17 New Moon September 22 Fall or spring equinox This is the best time to photograph the zodiacal light. October 1 Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly after sunset. October 1 Full Moon October 14 Mars at opposition It's brighter than at any other time of the year. October 16 New Moon The Milky Way season ends in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. October 20-21 Orionids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 25.9%. October 31 Full Moon October 31 Uranus at opposition It's brighter than at any other time of the year. You need a telescope. November 10 Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly before sunrise. November 15 New Moon November 16-17 Leonids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 7.2%. November 29-30 Penumbral lunar eclipse Visible throughout northern Japan, eastern Russia, New Zealand, the Pacific Ocean, North America and most of Central America. November 30 Full Moon December 13-14 Geminids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 0.6%. December 14 Total solar eclipse The path of totality is only visible in the southern Pacific Ocean, central Chile, central Argentina and the southern Atlantic Ocean. The partial eclipse is visible in most of the southern Pacific Ocean and in most of South America. December 21 Winter (or summer) solstice It marks the shortest (or longest) day of the year. December 21 Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn The great conjunction is a rare and hard to photograph spectacle but worth living. December 21-22 Ursids Meteor Shower Moon phase: 53.9%. December 30 Full Moon

2. January 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D500 | 500mm | f/5.6 | 1/13s | ISO 1250 | 6450K | 1.4x multiplier

Although the Milky Way is visible every night, in January the core of the Milky Way is not yet visible.

It begins to be visible, although for a very short time, at the end of January in many parts of the world. You'll have to wait until February, or March depending on where you are, to begin to see it above the horizon at its peak... It will be when what we call the Milky Way season begins (ie. the Galactic Center becomes visible).

Having said that, this year January is packed with cool photo opportunities!

But above all, don't miss...

The Quadrantids Meteor Shower on January 3-4. Despite the Moonlight conditions, you can always go for the challenge to capture them!

Despite the Moonlight conditions, you can always go for the challenge to capture them! The penumbral lunar eclipse on January 10 or 11 , depending on your location...

, depending on your location... The Full Moon on January 10 , if the penumbral lunar eclipse is not visible in your location.

, if the penumbral lunar eclipse is not visible in your location. The Manhattanhenge of January 11 and 12. It's a fantastic spectacle by which the Sun aligns itself during Sunrise with some of the streets that form a grid on the island of Manhattan in New York (USA).

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in January 2020.

January 3-4: Quadrantids Meteor Shower.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between January 3 and 4. The peak is on January 4 at 08:32 UTC with 110 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 61.0%, so the conditions to enjoy it might be not very good because of the Moonlight.

But this depends on where you are on the planet or plan to photograph it. To figure out whether it's worth it or not to photograph it, use the Meteor Shower Pill or the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to check local Moonset times, local peak time and forecasted local meteors/h.

Unfortunately, this Meteor Shower is only visible from the Northern Hemisphere.

You have all the information you need in our Meteor Showers guide.

January 10-11: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse (and Full Moon).

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 19:22 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

The Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra, creating a penumbral lunar eclipse from 17:08 to 21:13 UTC.

It happens on January 10 or 11 depending on your longitude (e.g. in India, China and Japan it happens on the 11th). The penumbral lunar eclipse is visible throughout eastern South America, the eastern Atlantic Ocean, most of Europe, Africa, Asia, and western Australia.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the penumbral lunar eclipse in your location (section 14).

January 11-12: Manhattanhenge at Sunrise.

Manhattanhenge occurs when the Sun, at Sunrise, aligns with the grid formed by the streets of Manhattan Island in New York (USA).

On January 11 and 12 the Sun aligns with the streets of Manhattan.

The best locations are 14th Street, 34th Street (where the Empire State Building is located), 42nd Street (where the Chrysler Building and Tudor City Bridge are located), 57th Street and 79th Street.

January 20: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 2.2º south of the Moon at 19:13 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.8, and Mars at a magnitude of 1.4. At this time the Moon phase is 17.1%.

The Earth orbit around the Sun lasts one year, and that of Mars lasts about two years. So the brightness of Mars in the sky alternates from year to year. In 2019 Mars appeared fainter in the sky. On the contrary, 2020 will be an excellent year for Mars and it will shine brightly.

January 23: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter (also occultation).

Jupiter passes at 0.2º north of the Moon at 02:43 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -9.0, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -1.9. At this time the Moon phase is 3.3%.

In addition to this, Jupiter goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

January 24: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 21:43 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky, including the Milky Way.

But during this New Moon of January, the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible in very few areas of the world (the more to the south the more visible it is) and for very little time. The only thing that you can photograph is the thinnest part of the arch of our galaxy, which is always visible at night.

Shooting Star Trails images is also a great option. Its pattern depends on your latitude and the direction to which you point your camera at.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

January 27: Conjunction of Venus and Neptune.

Venus passes at 0.1º south of Neptune at 19:22 UTC. Venus is at a magnitude of -4.1, and Neptune at a magnitude of 7.9. At this time the Moon phase is 8.0%.

January 28: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 4.0º north of the Moon at 07:30 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.2, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.1. At this time the Moon phase is 10.8%.

3. February 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D500 | 500mm | f/8 | 1/125s | ISO 3200 | 7800K | 1.4x multiplier

You can start photographing the Galactic Center of the Milky Way in many areas of the world!

However, in the Northern Hemisphere the Galactic Center is visible during a short period of time. You'll have to wait a little longer (until March) to see it completely above the horizon.

Note: The Galactic Center is visible at latitudes below 55ºN (more or less). But it depends on the time of year. I recommend you to use PhotoPills to find out what's going on with the Milky Way in the location you want (section 14). On the other hand, if you live at a latitude above 55ºN you won't be able to see the Galactic Center. But you can see part of the Milky Way core.

At the end of February the zodiacal light (reflection produced by the scattering of sunlight due to particles moving along the entire solar system) also begins to be visible. In the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year, it's visible to the west, at the end of the astronomical twilight, after Sunset, in the direction of the Sunset. On the contrary, in the Southern Hemisphere it's visible to the east, before the astronomical twilight begins, before dawn, in the direction of the Sunrise.

February is full of interesting events that you can photograph. But above all, don't miss...

The Full Moon on February 9 is always an opportunity to get a spectacular image.

is always an opportunity to get a spectacular image. On February 10 , you can photograph Mercury at greatest eastern elongation .

, you can photograph . The chance to photograph the Galactic Center. Take advantage of the New Moon week (February 23).

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in February 2020.

February 9: Full Moon.

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 07:34 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

February 10: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation.

When Mercury reaches its greatest elongation at 11:49 UTC, it's located 18.2º east of the Sun, and it's shining at a magnitude of -0.6.

Mercury's orbit is closer to the Sun than that of the Earth, which means that it always appears close to the Sun and is faded because of the Sun's brightness most of the time. You can only observe it for a few days each time it reaches its greatest separation from the Sun (greatest elongation).

This phenomenon repeats itself approximately once every 3-4 months and occurs alternately during the morning or afternoon, depending on whether Mercury is to the east or west of the Sun.

When it's located east of the Sun, it rises and sets just after the Sun, and it's visible during the Sunset. The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly after Sunset.

February 18: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (also occultation).

Mars passes at 0.5º south of the Moon at 13:18 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.1, and Mars at a magnitude of 1.2. At this time the Moon phase is 23.5%.

In addition to this, Mars goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

February 19: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter (also occultation).

Jupiter passes at 0.6º north of the Moon at 19:37 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.5, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -1.9. At this time the Moon phase is 13.6%.

In addition to this, Jupiter goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

February 20: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 1.4º north of the Moon at 13:40 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.0, and Saturn at a magnitude of -0.5. At this time the Moon phase is 8.9%.

February 23: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 15:33 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky.

If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, you can start hunting the Galactic Center of the Milky Way with your camera! And don't forget the Magellanic Clouds heading south.

Depending on your latitude, you can see the Galactic Center closest to the horizon (perfect for panoramas). And as you go to latitudes further south, you can photograph it more and more vertical. For example, in New Zealand you can almost capture it completely vertical.

In February, you can also capture the Galactic Center in the Northern Hemisphere: you see it low, near the horizon... although the conditions are not be as good as in the Southern Hemisphere. And if you don't get it, you can always wait until March to start enjoying it.

In the Northern Hemisphere you can also photograph the Orion constellation and the Winter Triangle.

And also during the New Moon, you can capture Star Trails, whose pattern depends on your latitude and the direction to which you point your camera at.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

February 27: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 6.2º north of the Moon at 11:53 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.3, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.2. At this time the Moon phase is 13.0%.

4. March 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon Z6 | 200mm | f/4 | 90s | ISO 1600 | 5500K | Pure Night light pollution filter | iOptron SkyGuider Pro | 14 photos stacked

March... Finally! At last! Throughout the month, the visibility of the Galactic Center is longer all over the world, multiplying the photographic opportunities :)

You can also capture the zodiacal light. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's visible to the west, at the end of the astronomical twilight, after Sunset, in the direction of the Sunset. On the contrary, in the Southern Hemisphere it's visible to the east, before the astronomical twilight begins, before dawn, in the direction of the Sunrise.

But above all, don't miss...

The Supermoon on March 9. It's the first of the two 2020 Supermoons. In addition, the Moon is at its closest point to Earth ("only" 357,404 kms or 222,081 mi away) so it seems larger than normal.

It's the first of the two 2020 Supermoons. In addition, the Moon is at its closest point to Earth ("only" 357,404 kms or 222,081 mi away) so it seems larger than normal. On March 18 , you can photograph the conjunction of the Moon and Mars . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Mars by the Moon.

, you can photograph the . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Mars by the Moon. On March 19 , you can photograph the conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Jupiter by the Moon.

, you can photograph the . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Jupiter by the Moon. The spring or fall equinox on March 20 is the best time to photograph the zodiacal light.

is the best time to photograph the zodiacal light. On March 23 , you can photograph Mercury at greatest western elongation .

, you can photograph . On March 24 , you can photograph Venus at greatest eastern elongation .

, you can photograph . It's time to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way! Take advantage of the New Moon week (March 24).

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in March 2020.

March 9: Conjunction of Uranus and Venus.

Venus passes at 2.2º north of Uranus at 14:37 UTC. Uranus is at a magnitude of 5.9, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.3. At this time the Moon phase is 99.8%.

March 9: Full Moon (Supermoon).

First Supermoon of the year. The Full Moon is at 17:49 UTC.

This Full Moon takes place when it's unusually near to that time of the month when is closest to Earth – the perigee. I mean, it's "only" 357,404 kms (222,081 mi) away. So the Moon appears slightly larger and brighter than in other occasions. This month it's larger than the Moon's annual mean size. That's why it's called a Supermoon.

Use PhotoPills to learn how to photograph the Supermoon in your location (section 14).

March 18: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (also occultation).

Mars passes at 0.4º north of the Moon at 08:20 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.3, and Mars at a magnitude of 0.9. At this time the Moon phase is 30.6%.

In addition to this, Mars goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

March 19: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter (also occultation).

Jupiter passes at 1.3º north of the Moon at 10:20 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.3, and Mars at a magnitude of -2.1. At this time the Moon phase is 21.2%.

In addition to this, Jupiter goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

March 19: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.1º north of the Moon at 23:58 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.1, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.5. At this time the Moon phase is 16.8%.

March 20: March equinox.

The March equinox is at 03:50 UTC. This is also the first spring day (spring equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first fall day (fall equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere.

It's the time when the Sun "crosses" the Earth's equator going from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. So it's perfect to photograph the zodiacal light.

In addition to this, there is a special beauty in chasing the Northern Lights during the equinox: they have more colors than the usual bright green!

March 20: Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars.

Mars passes at 5.5º south of Jupiter at 06:22 UTC. Jupiter is at a magnitude of -2.1, and Mars at a magnitude of 0.9. At this time the Moon phase is 14.9%.

March 21: Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury.

Mercury passes at 3.4º north of the Moon at 17:50 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -9.6, and Mercury at a magnitude of 0.2. At this time the Moon phase is 6.4%.

March 23: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation.

When Mercury reaches its greatest elongation at 22:48 UTC, it's located 27.8º west of the Sun, and it's shining at a magnitude of 0.2.

Mercury's orbit is closer to the Sun than that of the Earth, which means that it always appears close to the Sun and is faded because of the Sun's brightness most of the time. You can only observe it for a few days each time it reaches its greatest separation from the Sun (greatest elongation).

This phenomenon repeats itself approximately once every 3-4 months and occurs alternately during the morning or afternoon, depending on whether Mercury is to the east or west of the Sun.

When it's located west of the Sun, it rises and sets just before the Sun, and it's visible before the Sunrise. The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly before the Sunrise.

March 24: Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation.

When Venus reaches its greatest elongation at 07:30 UTC it's located 46.1º east of the Sun, and it's shining at a magnitude of -4.4. This is the best time to view Venus since it's so bright that it becomes the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon.

It's often known as the morning star or the evening star. When it's located west of the Sun, it rises and sets just before the Sun. The best time to photograph it is shortly before Sunrise.

March 24: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 09:29 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky.

In March, you can fully enjoy the Galactic Center of the Milky Way.

Depending on where you are, in India for example, you may find the Galactic Center near the horizon and capture a spectacular panorama. And if you're a little further south, like Australia's west coast where the skies have no light pollution, you can get an amazing vertical...

Always referring to locations in the Southern Hemisphere, two other galaxies that you can observe (with the naked eye!) and also photograph in clear skies are the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Small Magellanic Cloud.

They are relatively close to the south celestial pole, so from a certain latitude both can become circumpolar. They are located towards the south.

The New Moon also gives you the perfect opportunity to capture Star Trails. Did you know that depending on your location and the direction to which you point your camera at, Star Trails can change their shape?

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

March 28: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 6.5º north of the Moon at 10:38 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.5, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.4. At this time the Moon phase is 14.3%.

March 31: Conjunction of Saturn and Mars.

Mars passes at 0.6º south of Saturn at 10:58 UTC. Saturn is at a magnitude of 0.4, and Mars at a magnitude of 0.8. At this time the Moon phase is 40.1%.

5. April 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D4s | 14mm | f/2.8 | 25s | ISO 3200 | 3800K | 8 photos stitched in a panorama

April is a relatively quiet month, but pay attention because the night sky always offers interesting photographic opportunities.

For starters, take advantage of the New Moon week to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way at its peak. Another very interesting option (and that will leave your friends with their mouths wide open) you can photograph are Star Trails.

Also, at the beginning of the month, you can still capture the zodiacal light. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's visible to the west, at the end of the astronomical twilight, after Sunset, in the direction of the Sunset. On the contrary, in the Southern Hemisphere it's visible to the east, before the astronomical twilight begins, before dawn, in the direction of the Sunrise.

Fortunately, it's a good year to photograph the Lyrids: there is no Moonlight.

During April, make sure you don't miss...

The Supermoon on April 8. It's the second of the two 2020 Supermoons. In addition, the Moon is at its closest point to Earth ("only" 357,035 kms or 221,851 mi away) so it seems larger than normal.

It's the second of the two 2020 Supermoons. In addition, the Moon is at its closest point to Earth ("only" 357,035 kms or 221,851 mi away) so it seems larger than normal. The Lyrids Meteor Shower on April 21-22. During those nights the Moon is pretty thin. So you don't have any Moonlight :)

During those nights the Moon is pretty thin. So you don't have any Moonlight :) Take advantage of the New Moon week (April 23) to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way shining in the sky.

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in April 2020.

April 3: Conjunction of Mercury and Neptune.

Neptune passes at 1.2º north of Mercury at 15:18 UTC. Mercury is at a magnitude of 0.0, and Neptune at a magnitude of 8.0. At this time the Moon phase is 73.3%.

April 8: Full Moon (Supermoon).

Second and last Supermoon of the year. The Full Moon is at 17:49 UTC.

This Full Moon takes place when it's unusually near to that time of the month when is closest to Earth – the perigee. I mean, it's "only" 357,035 kms (221,851 mi) away. So the Moon appears slightly larger and brighter than in other occasions. This month it's larger than the Moon's annual mean size. That's why it's called a Supermoon.

Use PhotoPills to learn how to photograph the Supermoon in your location (section 14).

April 15: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.7º north of the Moon at 09:19 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.7, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.4. At this time the Moon phase is 45.8%.

April 15: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 1.6º north of the Moon at 23:06 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.9, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.3. At this time the Moon phase is 40.1%.

April 16: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 2.0º north of the Moon at 04:34 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.5, and Mars at a magnitude of 0.6. At this time the Moon phase is 37.9%.

April 21: Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury.

Mercury passes at 3.1º north of the Moon at 17:08 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -8.2, and Mercury at a magnitude of -0.8. At this time the Moon phase is 1.9%.

April 21-22: Lyrids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from April 14 to 30.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between April 21 and 22. The peak is on April 22 at 06:40 UTC with 20 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 0.8%, so the conditions to enjoy it are very good (there is no Moon).

This Meteor Shower is visible from both hemispheres. Although it's a little weaker in the Southern Hemisphere.

Use the Meteor Shower Pill and the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to figure out all the key Meteor Shower info for your location or place you wish to photograph it.

Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with our Meteor Showers photography guide.

April 23: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 02:27 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky.

In April the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible. Are you on the west coast of the USA? Or of Mexico? Then you have the perfect opportunity to capture it on the horizon thanks to a panorama.

And if you're in Chilean Patagonia, for example, you have the Milky Way forming a beautiful diagonal or even a vertical...

You can also capture Star Trails including the Polaris or the south celestial pole... You can create circumpolars, arches, diagonals... ;)

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

April 26: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 6.0º north of the Moon at 15:24 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.2, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.5. At this time the Moon phase is 27.3%.

6. May 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D4s | 14mm | f/2.8 | 30s | ISO 5000 | 120 photos stacked

Stay tuned because May is a month full of astronomical events. Write them in your diary so you don't miss a single one... ;)

And don't forget to keep in mind the New Moon week. It offers a fantastic opportunity to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way (May is a great month for it!).

You can also try taking pictures of Star Trails. The results are amazing and you can play with your creativity in many ways.

Unfortunately, this year the conditions to photograph the Eta Aquariids are not very good.

You may also see the comet C/2017 T2 (PANSTARRS) at perihelion, which can reach a magnitude of 7 by mid-May. It's near the constellation of Camelopardalis so it's only visible from the Northern Hemisphere. If you want, you can check the comet's path.

And if you can treat yourself with a trip to New York, Manhattanhenge is a very curious and tremendously photogenic phenomenon that occurs approximately three weeks before and after the June solstice.

But above all, don't miss...

The Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower on May 5-6. During those nights the conditions to enjoy it might be not very good because of the Moonlight. But it all depends on your location!

During those nights the conditions to enjoy it might be not very good because of the Moonlight. But it all depends on your location! The Full Moon on May 7.

Comet C/2017 T2 (PANSTARRS) making its closest approach to the Sun on May 13 .

making its closest approach to the Sun on . Take advantage of the New Moon week (May 22) to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way shining in the sky.

to capture the of the Milky Way shining in the sky. On May 22 you can photograph the conjunction of the Moon and Saturn . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Saturn by the Moon .

you can photograph the . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the . The Manhattanhenge of May 29 and 30. It's a fantastic spectacle by which the Sun aligns itself during Sunset with some of the streets that form a grid on the island of Manhattan in New York (USA).

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in May 2020.

May 5-6: Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from April 19 to May 28.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between May 5 and 6. The peak is on May 5 at 20:41 UTC with 50 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 99.3%, so the conditions to enjoy it might be not very good because of the Moonlight.

But this depends on where you are on the planet or plan to photograph it. To figure out whether it's worth it or not to photograph it, use the Meteor Shower Pill or the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to check local Moonset times, local peak time and forecasted local meteors/h.

This Meteor Shower is visible from both hemispheres. Although it's best visible in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere it has a lower intensity.

You have all the information you need in our Meteor Showers guide.

May 7: Full Moon.

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 10:46 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

May 12: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 2.2º north of the Moon at 09:42 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.3, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.5. At this time the Moon phase is 71.5%.

May 12: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.4º north of the Moon at 18:12 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.2, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.3. At this time the Moon phase is 68.1%.

May 13: C/2017 T2 (PANSTARRS) at perihelion.

Comet C/2017 T2 (PANSTARRS) makes its closest approach to the Sun. Based on the absolute magnitude published for this comet by the British Astronomical Association's Comet Section, it's estimated that its magnitude may be around 7 at perihelion.

May 15: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 2.5º north of the Moon at 02:03 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.7, and Mars at a magnitude of 0.2. At this time the Moon phase is 45.3%.

May 22: Conjunction of Venus and Mercury.

Mercury passes at 2.5º south of Venus at 07:45 UTC. Venus is at a magnitude of -4.2, and Mercury at a magnitude of -0.6. At this time the Moon phase is 0.2%.

May 22: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 17:40 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky.

In May the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible. From Spain for example, you can capture a beautiful diagonal with the Galactic Center shining. Or if you're in South Africa, try to work a composition with the Milky Way completely vertical.

You can also capture Star Trails. However, take care of your composition because often times the foreground is as important (or more) than the background. So take a good look at the sky, how you're going to paint with the stars, and how you're going to combine those trails with a catching subject.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

May 24: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 3.4º north of the Moon at 02:41 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -8.3, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.2. At this time the Moon phase is 1.9%.

May 24: Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury.

Mercury passes at 2.5º north of the Moon at 10:53 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -8.8, and Mercury at a magnitude of -0.5. At this time the Moon phase is 3.0%.

May 29-30: Manhattanhenge at Sunset.

Manhattanhenge occurs when the Sun, at Sunset, aligns with the grid formed by the streets of Manhattan Island in New York (USA).

On May 29 and 30 the Sun aligns with the streets of Manhattan.

The best locations are 14th Street, 34th Street (where the Empire State Building is located), 42nd Street (where the Chrysler Building and Tudor City Bridge are located), 57th Street and 79th Street.

7. June 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D4s | 200mm | f/8 | 2s | ISO 1600 | 5500K

Even though the nights in the Northern Hemisphere are shorter than ever, you'll surely find the opportunity to photograph some of the astronomical events that occur.

Conversely, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, make the most of the long winter nights. They're perfect for capturing tack sharp stars!

Oh, and remember to look at the date of the New Moon and look for locations to photograph the Galactic Center of the Milky Way and/or Star Trails. June is a perfect month to do so in both hemispheres.

But above all, don't miss...

On June 4 you'll be able to photograph Mercury at greatest east elongation .

you'll be able to photograph . The penumbral lunar eclipse on June 5 or 6 , depending on your location...

, depending on your location... The Full Moon on June 5 , if the penumbral lunar eclipse is not visible in your location.

, if the penumbral lunar eclipse is not visible in your location. On June 19 , you can photograph the conjunction of the Moon and Venus . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Venus by the Moon.

, you can photograph the . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Venus by the Moon. The summer (or winter) solstice on June 20 marks the longest (or shortest) day of the year.

marks the longest (or shortest) day of the year. The annular solar eclipse on June 21 is the perfect opportunity to photograph a moment that rarely happens (the next one will be on June 10, 2021). Are you going to miss it?

is the perfect opportunity to photograph a moment that rarely happens (the next one will be on June 10, 2021). Are you going to miss it? Take advantage of the New Moon week (June 21) to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way shining in the sky.

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in June 2020.

June 4: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation.

When Mercury reaches its greatest elongation at 16:20 UTC, it's located 23.6º east of the Sun, and it is shining at a magnitude of 0.4.

Mercury's orbit is closer to the Sun than that of the Earth, which means that it always appears close to the Sun and is faded because of the Sun's brightness most of the time. You can only observe it for a few days each time it reaches its greatest separation from the Sun (greatest elongation).

This phenomenon repeats itself approximately once every 3-4 months and occurs alternately during the morning or afternoon, depending on whether Mercury is to the east or west of the Sun.

When it's located east of the Sun, it rises and sets just after the Sun, and it's visible during the Sunset. The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly after Sunset.

June 5-6: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse (and Full Moon).

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 19:13 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

Moreover, in certain areas of the Earth, the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra, creating a penumbral lunar eclipse from 17:46 to 21:05 UTC. The maximum lunar eclipse occurs at 19:24 UTC.

It happens on June 5 or 6 depending on your longitude (e.g. in India, China and Australia it happens on the 6th). The penumbral lunar eclipse is visible throughout eastern Europe, eastern Africa, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and most of Australia.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the penumbral lunar eclipse in your location (section 14).

June 8: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 2.1º north of the Moon at 17:22 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.5, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.6. At this time the Moon phase is 89.7%.

June 9: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.4º north of the Moon at 02:13 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.5, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.2. At this time the Moon phase is 87.2%.

June 12: Conjunction of Mars and Neptune.

Neptune passes at 1.4º north of Mars at 12:19 UTC. Mars is at a magnitude of -0.2, and Neptune at a magnitude of 7.9. At this time the Moon phase is 57.4%.

June 13: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 2.4º north of the Moon at 23:56 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.8, and Mars at a magnitude of -0.2. At this time the Moon phase is 43.2%.

June 20: June solstice.

The June solstice is at 21:29 UTC. This is also the first summer day (summer solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first winter day (winter solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.

If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, take advantage of the longest golden hour and blue hour of the year!

June 21: Annular Solar Eclipse.

The Moon passes in front of the Sun, creating an annular solar eclipse from 04:09 to 06:41 UTC. The maximum annular eclipse occurs at 05:19 UTC.

The annular solar eclipse is visible in areas of central Africa, Pakistan, western India, southern China, and Taiwan.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the annular solar eclipse at your location (section 14).

June 21: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 06:42 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky.

In June the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible. From Patagonia, where the skies are extremely clean, you can capture a beautiful vertical. And from the USA you have the option of capturing a panorama at the beginning of the night and a vertical one before Sunrise ;)

You can also capture Star Trails.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

June 22: Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury.

Mercury passes at 3.5º south of the Moon at 07:20 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -7.8, and Mercury at a magnitude of 3.3. At this time the Moon phase is 1.2%.

8. July 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D4s | 500mm | f/8 | 1/50s | ISO 800 | 2850K

If you don't have the chance to be close to where they happen, make the most out of the days around the New Moon and look for locations: July is a great month to photograph the Galactic Center of the Milky Way.

Or would you prefer to work on creating Star Trails? Use the PhotoPills Night Augmented Reality view to decide in which direction you want to point your camera and work on different Star Trails' patterns.

But above all, don't miss...

The penumbral lunar eclipse on July 4 or 5 , depending on your location...

, depending on your location... The Full Moon on July 5 , if the penumbral lunar eclipse is not visible in your location.

, if the penumbral lunar eclipse is not visible in your location. The Manhattanhenge of July 11 and 12 . It's a fantastic spectacle by which the Sun aligns itself during Sunset with some of the streets that form a grid on the island of Manhattan in New York (USA).

. It's a fantastic spectacle by which the Sun aligns itself during Sunset with some of the streets that form a grid on the island of Manhattan in New York (USA). On July 14 , you can photograph Jupiter at opposition . It's at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of -2.7.

, you can photograph . It's at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of -2.7. Take advantage of the New Moon week (July 20) to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way. It's the last month of optimal visibility!

to capture the of the Milky Way. It's the last month of optimal visibility! On July 21 , you can photograph Saturn at opposition . It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible all night long.

, you can photograph . It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible all night long. On July 23 , you can photograph Mercury at greatest western elongation .

, you can photograph . The Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower on July 29-30. During those nights the conditions to enjoy it might be not very good because of the Moonlight. But it all depends on your location!

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in July 2020.

July 4-5: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse (and Full Moon).

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 04:45 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

Moreover, in certain areas of the Earth, the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra, creating a penumbral lunar eclipse from 03:08 to 05:53 UTC. The maximum lunar eclipse occurs at 19:24 UTC.

It happens on July 4 or 5 depending on your longitude (e.g. in the USA, it happens on the 4). The penumbral lunar eclipse is visible throughout most of North America, Central America, South America, and western Africa.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the penumbral lunar eclipse in your location (section 14).

July 5: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 1.5º north of the Moon at 21:38 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.6, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.7. At this time the Moon phase is 99.4%.

July 6: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.3º north of The Moon at 08:38 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.6, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.1. At this time the Moon phase is 98.4%.

July 11: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 3.2º south of the Moon at 19:38 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.0, and Mars at a magnitude of -0.7. At this time the Moon phase is 61.1%.

July 11-12: Manhattanhenge at Sunset.

Manhattanhenge occurs when the Sun, at Sunset, aligns with the grid formed by the streets of Manhattan Island in New York (USA).

On July 11 and 12 the Sun aligns with the streets of Manhattan.

The best locations are 14th Street, 34th Street (where the Empire State Building is located), 42nd Street (where the Chrysler Building and Tudor City Bridge are located), 57th Street and 79th Street.

July 14: Jupiter at opposition.

At 07:46 UTC, Jupiter is at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of -2.7.

It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible throughout the night. This is the best time to observe and photograph Jupiter and its four largest moons, which appear as bright spots on both sides of the planet.

However, even being at its closest approach to the Earth, you can only distinguish Jupiter as a star-shaped spot of light with the naked eye. Use a pair of good binoculars to see the planet more clearly as a light spot along with its moons.

July 17: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 3.1º south of the Moon at 07:27 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.3, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.5. At this time the Moon phase is 12.7%.

July 19: Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury.

Mercury passes at 3.5º south of the Moon at 03:54 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -8.8, and Mercury at a magnitude of 0.7. At this time the Moon phase is 2.9%.

July 20: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 17:34 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky.

In July the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible. In the Northern Hemisphere the nights are short but if you take good advantage of them and you're in the south of Europe, for example, you can photograph the Galactic Center completely vertical. And if you're in Brazil, you can play with the elevation of the Galactic Center and place it almost anywhere you want... ;)

You can also capture Star Trails. Have you ever captured a circumpolar? No? Then it's a good time to try.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

July 21: Saturn at opposition.

At 22:14 UTC, Saturn is at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of 0.1.

It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible throughout the night. This is the best time to observe and photograph Saturn and its rings, which are inclined at an angle of 24º. This is almost the maximum inclination they can have so you can clearly observe them.

However, even being at its closest approach to the Earth, you can only distinguish Saturn as a star-shaped spot of light with the naked eye. Use a telescope to see the planet along with its rings.

July 23: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation.

When Mercury reaches its greatest elongation at 22:23 UTC, it's located 20.1º west of the Sun, and it's shining at a magnitude of 0.1.

Mercury's orbit is closer to the Sun than that of the Earth, which means that it always appears close to the Sun and is faded because of the Sun's brightness most of the time. You can only observe it for a few days each time it reaches its greatest separation from the Sun (greatest elongation).

This phenomenon repeats itself approximately once every 3-4 months and occurs alternately during the morning or afternoon, depending on whether Mercury is to the east or west of the Sun.

When it's located west of the Sun, it rises and sets just before the Sun, and it's visible before Sunrise. The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly before Sunrise.

July 29-30: Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from July 12 to August 23.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between July 29 and 30. The peak is on July 29 at 23:30 UTC with 25 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 85.2%, so the conditions to enjoy it might be not very good because of the Moonlight.

But this depends on where you are on the planet or plan to photograph it. To figure out whether it's worth it or not to photograph it, use the Meteor Shower Pill or the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to check local Moonset times, local peak time and forecasted local meteors/h.

This Meteor Shower is visible from both hemispheres. Although it's best visible in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere it has a lower intensity.

You have all the information you need in our Meteor Showers guide.

9. August 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D4s | 35mm | f/1.4 | 13s | ISO 6400 | 3550K

Good news! Contrary to 2019, this year one of the most popular events photographically speaking, the Perseids, are in full bloom. During the peak date of this Meteor Shower there will be some Moonlight, but the sky is not too bright... :)

In August you can still photograph the Galactic Center of the Milky Way :P

At the end of August, the zodiacal light is visible again. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's visible to the east, before the morning astronomical twilight, in the direction of Sunrise. On the other hand, in the Southern Hemisphere it's visible to the west, at the end of the afternoon astronomical twilight, in the direction of the Sunset.

As for Star Trails, you know they are a photographic opportunity I love to play with. They are always the perfect excuse to go out and take pictures at night.

But above all, don't miss...

The Full Moon on August 3 is always an opportunity to get a spectacular image.

is always an opportunity to get a spectacular image. On August 9 you can photograph the conjunction of the Moon and Mars . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Mars by the Moon .

you can photograph the . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the . The Perseids Meteor Shower on August 12-13. During those nights the Moon will be pretty thin. So you won't have any Moonlight :)

During those nights the Moon will be pretty thin. So you won't have any Moonlight :) On August 13 you can photograph Venus at greatest western elongation .

you can photograph . Take advantage of the New Moon week (August 19) to photograph the Galactic Center of the Milky Way.

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in August 2020.

August 1: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 1.3º north of the Moon at 23:32 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.6, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.7. At this time the Moon phase is 96.9%.

August 2: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.2º north of The Moon at 13:10 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.6, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.1. At this time the Moon phase is 98.6%.

August 3: Full Moon.

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 16:00 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

August 9: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (also occultation).

Mars passes at 0.5º north of the Moon at 08:00 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.1, and Mars at a magnitude of -1.3. At this time the Moon phase is 71.8%.

In addition to this, Mars goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

August 12-13: Perseids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from July 17 to August 24.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between August 12 and 13. The peak is on August 12 at 13:13 UTC with 110 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 41.9%, so the conditions to enjoy it are very good (there is no Moon).

Use the Meteor Shower Pill and the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to figure out all the key Meteor Shower info for your location or place you wish to photograph it.

This Meteor Shower is visible from both hemispheres. Although it's best visible in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere it has a lower intensity.

Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with our Meteor Showers guide.

August 13: Venus at Greatest Western Elongation.

When Venus reaches its greatest elongation at 13:02 UTC it's located 45.8º west of the Sun, and it's shining at a magnitude of -4.4. This is the best time to view Venus since it's so bright that it becomes the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon.

It's often known as the morning star or the evening star. When it's located west of the Sun, it rises and sets just before the Sun. The best time to photograph it is shortly before Sunrise.

August 15: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 3.6º south of the Moon at 13:01 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.6, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.3. At this time the Moon phase is 15.3%.

August 19: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 02:43 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky including the Galactic Center of the Milky Way.

And as I suggest you every month, you can also capture Star Trails.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

August 29: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 1.2º north of the Moon at 01:35 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.4, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.6. At this time the Moon phase is 83.1%.

August 29: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.1º north of The Moon at 16:32 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.5, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.1. At this time the Moon phase is 87.7%.

10. September 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon Z6 | 18mm | f/4 | 15s | ISO 800 | 3500K

In September the visibility of the Galactic Center of the Milky Way in both hemispheres becomes shorter and shorter until it's no longer visible in November.

You can also capture the zodiacal light. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's visible to the east, before the morning astronomical twilight, in the direction of the Sunrise. On the other hand, in the Southern Hemisphere it's visible to the west, at the end of the afternoon astronomical twilight, in the direction of the Sunset.

And, as always, don't forget the Star Trails... They'll help you get magical images!

Moreover, this month marks a change of season, from summer to fall in the Northern Hemisphere and from winter to spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

But above all, don't miss...

The Full Moon on September 2 is always an opportunity to get a spectacular image.

is always an opportunity to get a spectacular image. On September 6 , you can photograph the conjunction of the Moon and Mars . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the occultation of Mars by the Moon .

, you can photograph the . And depending on where you are on the planet, you can photograph the . On September 11 you can photograph Neptune at opposition . It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible all night long.

you can photograph . It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible all night long. Take advantage of the New Moon week (September 17) to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way shining in the sky.

to capture the of the Milky Way shining in the sky. The fall or spring equinox on September 22 is the best time to photograph the zodiacal light.

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in September 2020.

September 2: Full Moon.

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 05:23 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

September 6: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (also occultation).

The Moon and Mars make a close approach at 04:46 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.3, and Mars at a magnitude of -1.9. At this time the Moon phase is 85.9%.

In addition to this, Mars goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

September 11: Neptune at opposition.

At 20:10 UTC, Neptune is at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of 7.8.

It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible throughout the night. This is the best time to observe and photograph Neptune.

However, even being at its closest approach to the Earth, you can only distinguish Neptune as a star-shaped spot of light with the naked eye. Use a telescope to see the planet.

September 14: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 4.3º south of the Moon at 04:44 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.6, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.1. At this time the Moon phase is 14.3%.

September 17: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 11:01 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky. In September the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible. You can also capture Star Trails.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

September 22: September equinox.

The September equinox is at 13:15 UTC. This is also the first fall day (fall equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first spring day (spring equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere.

It's the time when the Sun "crosses" the Earth's equator going from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.

September 25: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 1.4º north of the Moon at 06:48 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.1, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.4. At this time the Moon phase is 62.9%.

September 25: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.2º north of The Moon at 20:38 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.2, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.2. At this time the Moon phase is 68.6%.

11. October 2020 celestial events, one by one

Comet C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy). Nikon D700 | 85mm | f/1.4 | 6s | ISO 6400 | 4000K | 20 photos stacked

October is here. It's a month of transition and changes in both hemispheres.

After the September equinox, the different parts of the world are gradually changing seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, first comes fall and then winter. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere first comes spring and then summer.

So light is decreasing in some parts of the world while increasing in others.

October is a month with an interesting Meteor Shower: the Orionids... which in 2020 benefit from good conditions to be observed (and captured, of course!).

At the beginning of October you can still capture the zodiacal light. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's visible to the east, before the morning astronomical twilight, in the direction of the Sunrise. On the other hand, in the Southern Hemisphere it's visible to the west, at the end of the afternoon astronomical twilight, in the direction of the Sunset.

And finally, hurry up! This is the second-to-last month in which you can photograph the Galactic Center of the Milky Way above the horizon. When the season is over you'll have to wait 2-3 months before you can do it again.

Although you can always capture Star Trails! ;)

But above all, don't miss...

On October 1 you can photograph Mercury at greatest east elongation .

you can photograph . In October we have two Full Moons! Take advantage of the Full Moon nights (October 1 and October 31) to get a spectacular image.

to get a spectacular image. On October 14 you can photograph Mars at opposition . It's at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of -2.6.

you can photograph . It's at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of -2.6. Take advantage of the New Moon week (October 16) to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way shining in the sky.

to capture the of the Milky Way shining in the sky. On the night of October 21-22 , the peak of the Orionids Meteor Shower occurs.

, the peak of the occurs. On October 31 you can photograph Uranus at opposition. It's at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of 5.7.

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in October 2020.

October 1: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation.

When Mercury reaches its greatest elongation at 10:32 UTC, it's located 25.8º east of the Sun, and it's shining at a magnitude of -0.0.

Mercury's orbit is closer to the Sun than that of the Earth, which means that it always appears close to the Sun and is faded because of the Sun's brightness most of the time. You can only observe it for a few days each time it reaches its greatest separation from the Sun (greatest elongation).

This phenomenon repeats itself approximately once every 3-4 months and occurs alternately during the morning or afternoon, depending on whether Mercury is to the east or west of the Sun.

When it's located east of the Sun, it rises and sets just after the Sun, and it's visible during the Sunset. The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly after Sunset.

October 1: Full Moon.

First Full Moon of the month! :)

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 21:06 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

October 3: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars (also occultation).

Mars passes at 0.4º north of the Moon at 03:25 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.5, and Mars at a magnitude of -2.5. At this time the Moon phase is 98.4%.

In addition to this, Mars goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

October 13: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 4.2º south of the Moon at 23:56 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.4, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.1. At this time the Moon phase is 11.7%.

October 14: Mars at opposition.

At 23:18 UTC, Mars is at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of -2.6.

It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible throughout the night. This is the best time to observe and photograph Mars.

However, even being at its closest approach to the Earth, you can only distinguish Mars as a star-shaped spot of light with the naked eye. Use a telescope to see the planet.

October 16: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 19:32 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky. In October the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible. You can also capture Star Trails.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

October 17: Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury.

Mercury passes at 6.5º south of the Moon at 18:34 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -8.3, and Jupiter at a magnitude of 1.4. At this time the Moon phase is 1.8%.

October 20-21: Orionids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from October 2 to November 17.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between October 20 and 21. The peak is on October 21 at 05:36 UTC with 20 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 25.9%, so the conditions to enjoy it are very good (there is no Moon).

This Meteor Shower is visible and intense in both hemispheres.

Use the Meteor Shower Pill and the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to figure out all the key Meteor Shower info for your location or place you wish to photograph it.

Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with our Meteor Showers guide.

October 22: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 2.0º north of the Moon at 17:12 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.7, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.2. At this time the Moon phase is 41.3%.

October 23: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.4º north of The Moon at 03:42 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.8, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.3. At this time the Moon phase is 45.9%.

October 29: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 2.6º north of the Moon at 16:16 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.5, and Mars at a magnitude of -2.2. At this time the Moon phase is 96.5%.

October 31: Full Moon.

Second Full Moon of the month! :)

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 14:50 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

October 31: Uranus at opposition.

At 15:38 UTC, Uranus is at its closest approach to Earth and its visible face is completely illuminated by the Sun at a magnitude of 5.7.

It's brighter than at any other time of the year and is visible throughout the night. This is the best time to observe and photograph Uranus.

However, even being at its closest approach to the Earth, you can only distinguish Uranus as a star-shaped spot of light with the naked eye. Use a telescope to see the planet.

12. November 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon 300 | 500mm | f/8 | 100s | ISO 200 | 4500K

As I've already told you, November is the last month in which you can photograph the Galactic Center of the Milky Way.

So you have to take advantage of its reduced visibility time. Another option is to focus on other types of images, such as creating Star Trails.

And even though the Leonids are relatively weak (15 meteors per hour), you can still try to capture them as there is almost no Moonlight (25.9%)

But most importantly, don't miss...

On November 10 , you can photograph Mercury at greatest western elongation .

, you can photograph . The New Moon week (November 15) is your last chance to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way shining in the sky in 2020.

is your last chance to capture the of the Milky Way shining in the sky in 2020. On the night of November 16-17 , the peak of the Leonids Meteor Shower occurs.

, the peak of the occurs. The penumbral lunar eclipse on November 29 or 30 , depending on your location...

, depending on your location... The Full Moon on November 30, if the penumbral lunar eclipse is not visible in your location.

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in November 2020.

November 10: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation.

When Mercury reaches its greatest elongation at 16:42 UTC, it's located 19.1º west of the Sun, and it's shining at a magnitude of -0.6.

Mercury's orbit is closer to the Sun than that of the Earth, which means that it always appears close to the Sun and is faded because of the Sun's brightness most of the time. You can only observe it for a few days each time it reaches its greatest separation from the Sun (greatest elongation).

This phenomenon repeats itself approximately once every 3-4 months and occurs alternately during the morning or afternoon, depending on whether Mercury is to the east or west of the Sun.

When it's located west of the Sun, it rises and sets just before the Sun, and it's visible before Sunrise. The best time to photograph Mercury is shortly before Sunrise.

November 12: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus.

Venus passes at 3.0º south of the Moon at 21:30 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.1, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.0. At this time the Moon phase is 8.1%.

November 15: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 05:08 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky. In November the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is visible during a shorter period of time. You can also capture Star Trails.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

November 16-17: Leonids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from November 6 to 30.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between November 16 and 17. The peak is on November 17 at 10:54 UTC with 15 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 7.2%, so the conditions to enjoy it are very good (there is no Moon).

Use the Meteor Shower Pill and the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to figure out all the key Meteor Shower info for your location or place you wish to photograph it.

This Meteor Shower is visible and intense in both hemispheres.

Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with our Meteor Showers guide.

November 19: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 2.3º north of the Moon at 08:57 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.1, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.1. At this time the Moon phase is 22.2%.

November 19: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 2.5º south of the Moon at 14:51 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -11.2, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.4. At this time the Moon phase is 24.5%.

November 25: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 4.5º north of the Moon at 19:46 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.3, and Mars at a magnitude of -1.3. At this time the Moon phase is 82.3%.

November 29-30: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse (and Full Moon).

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 09:31 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

Moreover, in certain areas of the Earth, the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, creating a penumbral lunar eclipse from 07:33 to 11:54 UTC. The maximum lunar eclipse occurs at 09:43 UTC. It happens on November 29 or 30 depending on your longitude (e.g. in the western USA, it happens on the 29). The penumbral lunar eclipse is visible throughout northern Japan, eastern Russia, New Zealand, the Pacific Ocean, North America and most of Central America.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the penumbral lunar eclipse in your location (section 14).

13. December 2020 celestial events, one by one

Nikon D500 | 500mm | f/8 | 1/125s | ISO 100 | 6450K

In 2020 December is full of surprises that go beyond the usual events that occur at this time of year... :)

First and foremost, there is a total solar eclipse!

As for the Geminids, they are usually very intense (120 meteors per hour) producing a spectacular Meteor Shower. So go for the challenge of capturing this event as the Moon is not a problem (0.6%).

In December you can't photograph the Galactic Center of the Milky Way, so you have to do your best with the thinnest part of the arch of our galaxy. At this time of year the Galactic Center is above the horizon when it is daylight.

But don't be discouraged because this month brings other photographic opportunities that are worthwhile. Also, don't forget about Star Trails because it's a type of astrophotography that you can practice all year round.

But above all, don't miss...

On the night of December 13-14 , the peak of the Geminids Meteor Shower occurs.

, the peak of the occurs. The total solar eclipse on December 14. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and travel to a place located in the path of totality. The next one won't be until December 4, 2021.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity and travel to a place located in the path of totality. The next one won't be until December 4, 2021. The winter (or summer) solstice on December 21 marks the shortest (or longest) day of the year.

marks the shortest (or longest) day of the year. The great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 , a rare and hard to photograph spectacle but worth living.

, a rare and hard to photograph spectacle but worth living. On the night of December 21-22 , the peak of the Ursids Meteor Shower occurs.

, the peak of the occurs. The Full Moon on December 30 is always an opportunity to get a spectacular image.

Here you have the complete list of the most important celestial events happening in December 2020.

December 12: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus (also occultation).

Venus passes at 0.5º north of the Moon at 20:40 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -9.5, and Venus at a magnitude of -4.0. At this time the Moon phase is 99.5%.

In addition to this, Venus goes behind the Moon on what's called an occultation.

December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from December 4 to 17.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between December 13 and 14. The peak is on December 14 at 00:48 UTC with 120 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 0.6%, so the conditions to enjoy it are very good (there is no Moon).

Use the Meteor Shower Pill and the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to figure out all the key Meteor Shower info for your location or place you wish to photograph it.

This Meteor Shower is visible in both hemispheres, although it's weaker in the Southern Hemisphere.

Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with our Meteor Showers guide.

December 14: Total Solar Eclipse.

The Moon passes in front of the Sun, creating a total solar eclipse from 13:33 to 18:53 UTC. Totality occurs at 16:13 UTC. Although this information depends on your position within the path of totality. So use PhotoPills to plan in detail the total solar eclipse.

The path of totality is only visible in the southern Pacific Ocean, central Chile, central Argentina and the southern Atlantic Ocean. The partial eclipse is visible in most of the southern Pacific Ocean and in most of South America.

Please be cautious and use a solar filter along with a pair of solar eclipse glasses if you plan to observe or photograph the total solar eclipse of the Sun.

To learn how to plan and photograph the solar eclipse, take a look at our detailed guide to solar eclipses.

December 14: New Moon.

The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, so the bright side of the Moon is facing away from the Earth. The Moon phase is 0% at 16:18 UTC.

The days around New Moon are great for photographing the night sky and Star Trails. In December the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is no longer visible, but you can photograph is the thinnest part of the arch of our galaxy.

Use PhotoPills to learn more about the Milky Way and Star Trails in your location (section 14).

December 17: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Jupiter passes at 2.6º north of the Moon at 04:30 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.0, and Jupiter at a magnitude of -2.0. At this time the Moon phase is 8.3%.

December 17: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 3.0º north of the Moon at 05:20 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -10.1, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.5. At this time the Moon phase is 8.5%.

December 21: December solstice.

The December solstice is at 09:47 UTC. This is also the first winter day (winter solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first summer day (summer solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.

If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, take advantage of the longest golden hour and blue hour of the year!

December 21: Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

Saturn passes at 0.1º north of Jupiter at 13:24 UTC. Jupiter is at a magnitude of -2.0, and Saturn at a magnitude of 0.5. At this time the Moon phase is 46.0%.

The rare conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is known as a great conjunction and it happens, on average, every 19 years. Did you know that the last great conjunction occurred in May 31st, 2000?

Actually, they are so close that they look like a bright double planet. Look to the west just after Sunset!

December 21-22: Ursids Meteor Shower.

The Meteor Shower runs from December 17 to 26.

But the best night for photographing it is the one between December 22 and 23. The peak is on December 23 at 03:04 UTC with 10 meteors per hour. At this time the Moon phase is 11.1%, so the conditions to enjoy it are good (there is no Moonlight).

But this depends on where you are on the planet or plan to photograph it. To figure out whether it's worth it or not to photograph it, use the Meteor Shower Pill or the Meteor Shower Layer in the Planner to check local Moonset times, local peak time and forecasted local meteors/h.

This Meteor Shower is visible in both hemispheres, although it's weaker in the Southern Hemisphere.

You have all the information you need in our Meteor Shower guide.

December 23: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars.

Mars passes at 5.3º north of the Moon at 18:31 UTC. The Moon is at a magnitude of -12.1, and Mars at a magnitude of -0.5. At this time the Moon phase is 66.8%.

December 30: Full Moon.

It's time to enjoy the last Full Moon of the year!

The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so the Sun illuminates it completely. Full Moon is at 03:29 UTC.

Full Moon days are perfect for photographing it with an interesting subject. Get the most out of the Full Moon with this article.

And now that you know everything (absolutely everything!) that will happen in 2020 from an astronomical point of view, it's time to...

You've guessed it!

It's time to plan one (or more) astronomical highlights of 2020.

14. How to plan the best 2020 astronomical events

Imagine. Plan. Shoot!

That's what we PhotoPillers say (photography and PhotoPills freaks)...

We even designed a t-shirt so we don't forget it :P

And as expected, this workflow is the backbone of this guide.

With the help of the calendar, you chose the astronomical event you want to photograph... And you have let your imagination run wild, trying to create in your mind a great picture (a legendary one if possible).

Well, the time has come to go from the idea to reality, to check that the photo you dream of is possible!

And to find out the exact shooting spot and the exact moment the photo happens.

It's time to plan the photo :)

And to do so, the best thing is to use PhotoPills, a tool that you can easily master reading the super user guide and watching these video tutorials :P

Are you ready?

How to plan your Milky Way pictures (including the Galactic Center!)

Photographing the Milky Way is magical.

But if you manage to do it in the way and the location you want, the result is even more rewarding. That's why planning is so important.

But before we start, remember that,

The Milky Way is visible every night. What's not visible every night is its center, the brightest part of our galaxy. That's why I always say that there is a Galactic Center hunting season.

In many parts of the world the Galactic Center begins to be visible at the end of January and becomes invisible in November.

To plan the Milky Way in a location that I'm interested in, I use the PhotoPills Planner to work on the different compositions that I can get during each of the New Moons of the year.

Although it's a few years old, this video is still valid. Here Rafa explains to you step by step the whole workflow that we follow. In addition to this, at the end of this section I have added a link to a more recent video detailing another example of Milky Way planning.

Did you like the video?

Yes?

Great!

Now let's dive in a little more into the wonderful world of Milky Way planning with another example :)

PhotoPills Planner - The Red Pin is placed in Nambung National Park (Australia). The Milky Way arch is displayed on the map (white dotted arch). Above the map you see Panel 7, which shows the Galactic Center visibility times for the selected date. PhotoPills Planner - Now you see Panel 8 above the map. The icon tells you the inclination of the Milky Way arch in the sky. The blue energy bar is linked to the Moon phase. When full, it means it's New Moon. And when it is empty, it's Full Moon. You also have the position (azimuth and elevation) of the Galactic Center and the highest point of the Milky Way arch.

Look for a location with no light pollution and an interesting subject. Imagine you are in Nambung National Park (Australia) to photograph some rock formations known as the Pinnacles along with the Milky Way arch.

Open PhotoPills, tap Planner (Pills Menu) and then place the Red Pin right in the location where you want to plan the photo. If you don't know how to do it, this video shows you how to move the Red Pin.

Now, on the Planner, make sure you have the Moon and Milky Way map layers turned on. Tap on the Map settings button, it's on the map, next to the (+) button.

On the Map settings screen, check that the eye icon on the Moon and Milky Way map layers is not crossed out. If it is, tap on it to turn the layer on. Tap OK (upper right corner) in iOS or the arrow to go back in Android. If you want to have a cleaner view on the Planner, you can turn off the rest of the layers (tap on the eye icon to cross it out).

Swipe the top panels to the left until you find the two Milky Way information panels (Panel 7 and Panel 8).

The Panel 7 indicates when the Galactic Center becomes visible or not and the light grey line shows the direction in which it shows up.

Take into account the Moon phase. It's easier to photograph the Milky Way if you avoid any light source. So try to plan your session during the New Moon day and the 4 days before and after.

Tap on the center of the Time Bar twice to set the current date and time. Then, tap on the Milky Way icon on Panel 8. The date will jump to the next New Moon.

Now it's time to play with the Time Bar and the Milky Way layer to see if you can capture the Milky Way slightly above the horizon, forming a nice diagonal or completely vertical. Swipe the time forwards (to the left) or backwards (to the right) until the white dotted arch is where you want it to be in the sky. Then, adjust the position of the Red Pin depending on the composition you want.

Tap on the RA Night button to check the position of the Milky Way and the Galactic Center. You can also use Panel 8 to check the inclination angle of the Milky Way and the height of the energy bar: the higher and bluer, the more visible the Milky Way is (less impact of the Moon).

If the composition you're looking for is not possible on the date you're planning, skip to the next New Moon and repeat the process until you find the photo you want!

From the planning result you'll get the shooting spot (the position of the Red Pin) and the date and time of shooting (shown in the Time Bar) allowing you to capture the photo you want.

And that's it!

If you follow these steps, you can easily plan any Milky Way photo you want.

You'll finally be able to make that dream come true.

Anyway, if you need a more detailed explanation, you can read the planning section in the Milky Way guide.

Or if you prefer, you can see Rafa's explanation using a real case: the Milky Way arching over the Vingerklip (Namibia).

How to plan your Full Moon (and Supermoon!) pictures

Would you like to photograph the next Full Moon? Or better yet... the next Supermoon!

But you don't know what to do to get the photo you've been dreaming about for days.

Don't worry!

I'm here to help you with the planning using a spectacular example ;)

But first, you should watch the following video:

Here's another example of all the steps you should follow to plan a Supermoon :P

PhotoPills Moon - Moon calendar where yellow circles show the Supermoons. PhotoPills Planner - Supermoon planning for April 7, 2020. The center of the Moon will be aligned with the roof of Torre Sevilla at 09:30 pm and will have a diameter of 10 m. The Red Pin shows the shooting spot and the Black Pin shows the Torre Sevilla position. The thin blue line shows the position of the Moon for the selected time.

Choose a location with a special scenery, that has an interesting subject and where you can move around easily.

In this case, I want one of the 2020 Supermoons to be behind Torre Sevilla, the tallest skyscraper in Seville (Spain).

Tap Planner (Pills Menu) and then place the Red Pin near Torre Sevilla. If you don't know how to do it, this video shows you how to move the Red Pin.

Now let's find out the 2020 Supermoon dates. Exit the Planner tapping Back and then tap Moon (Pills Menu). Tap on the Calendar button. Supermoons have a yellow circle around them. Tap, for example, on the April 7, 2020 Supermoon. On the Moon screen, press the Action button (bottom right) and select Send to planner. The Supermoon date will be set on the Planner.

On the Planner, zoom in on the map until you have enlarged the rooftop of Torre Sevilla as much as possible. Swipe the top panels to the right until you find the Black Pin information panel (Panel 2). Tap on the Red Pin and the Black Pin icon to turn on the Black Pin on the map. Drag the Black Pin to place it in the middle of Torre Sevilla's rooftop.

It's time to determine the shooting spot from which the Moon will have the size you want compared to the subject (Torre Sevilla). Imagine you want it to be 10 meters.

Tap on the Map settings button. It's on the map, next to the (+) button.

On the Map settings screen, in the Map Tools section, tap on the Sun/Moon button. Tap OK (upper right corner) in iOS or the arrow to go back in Android.

On the map, you can now see a grey circle. It tells you the shooting distance you need. Also, in the top box that just appeared, type the size you want the Moon to have (10 meters). The circle diameter changes according to the size you enter.

Place the Red Pin on the grey circumference, so that the Moonrise line (thick light blue) or the Moonset line (thick dark blue) is not too far from the Black Pin. So, when the Moon rises or sets, it goes over your subject.

Now, you have to take into account the Moon's elevation relative to Torre Sevilla. The building measures 180.5 metres. So it may be interesting that the Moon is somehow higher than the top of the building. And that it's always aligned, of course.

Look at the Panel 2, it displays the Moon's elevation relative to the Black Pin. So you need to find out at what time the Moon's elevation will be about 220 or 230 meters above the Black Pin. Move the Time Bar around Moonrise time until you find it.

Now, adjust the position of the Red Pin on the grey circumference, taking into account the direction in which the Moon will move, so that the white dotted line (between the Red Pin and the Black Pin) and the thin blue line (direction of the Moon) match.

While moving the Red Pin, the topography may have changed, so check the Moon's elevation over the Black Pin in Panel 2.

If it hasn't changed, great, your planning job is done. Otherwise, repeat the process.

And that's it!

Now you know exactly where the shooting spot is and when you have to be there (date and time).

Of all the plans, Moon ones require you to work a bit harder while being accurate.

If this explanation is not enough and you need more details, you can read the planning section in the Moon guide.

Or if you prefer, you can see Rafa's explanation using a real case: a Full Moon at the top of the Sky Tower, Auckland (New Zealand).

And if you already know the shooting spot and want to quickly find out when the Moon will be where you want it, use the Search option. In this article Rafa explains how to do it: 'How to find Moonrises and Moonsets'.

How to plan your Meteor Showers pictures

When you're planning any Meteor Shower picture, there's one element you need to consider: the radiant.

The radiant is a point in the sky from which meteors seem to radiate. Or, if you prefer, sprout XD.

Each radiant is located in the constellation that gives its name to the Meteor Shower. For example, the Perseids radiant is located in the Perseus constellation.

Our Meteor Showers guide let you know the radiants of the most spectacular Meteor Showers. And here's a video in which Rafa teaches you how to plan a Meteor Shower with PhotoPills (including how to locate the radiant in the Sky with the Augmented Reality view):

Did you know that meteors can appear randomly anywhere in the sky? This means that you could frame wherever you want and you could end up photographing meteors...

Regardless of that fun fact...

You should always make sure that you locate the radiant in the sky. Depending on the image you want to create, the radiant is the best indicator to find the shooting spot and where you should point your camera at:

There is a cool effect that you can get in post-processing which is having all the meteors converging from one single spot in the sky. In order to create this image, you need to have the radiant in your frame. You can learn this technique watching this video by David Kingham.

The meteors that are far away from the radiant have longer tails than the rest. If you want to capture meteors with long tails, frame your camera as far away from the radiant as possible.

Oh, and don't forget to use the shortest possible focal length (ideally, a wide angle lens) so you can capture the maximum number of meteors. Try to include as much sky as you can in the frame to have more meteors in your picture.

And, finally, add a nice subject in the foreground. Your image will be much more powerful if you connect all the elements of your composition!

Even though you don't have to include the radiant in your composition, I like to do it because the effect you get is spectacular.

So let's see how to plan your photo, including how to locate the radiant in the sky. To do that, let's take the Geminids for example.

Open PhotoPills, and tap Planner (Pills Menu).

On the Planner, place the Red Pin where you want to plan the Meteor Shower.

Tap the Map Settings button. You'll find it on the Map, next to the (+) button.

Switch off the map layers you don't need (like the Sun layer for example). To do it, tap the eye icon you have next to each of the layers.

Tap the Meteor Shower layer.

Choose the Meteor Shower peak you want to plan (ie. the Geminids) from the calendar. Tap OK (upper right corner) in iOS or the arrow to go back in Android.

On the map you can see: The path the radiant will follow during the night (the arch). The radiant position (the circle on the path). The elevation of the radiant (the concentric circumferences).

Swipe the panels on the map to the left until you find the Meteor Showers information panel (Panel 11).

Now you know that: The peak of the Geminids is on December 14, 2020 at 00:48 UTC. The Moon phase is 0.6% (the next New Moon is on January 13 at 06:01 UTC). So the conditions to take the photo are excellent. The radiant coordinates are: right ascension 07h 28m and declination +33.0º.

When the Meteor Shower peak day arrives, go to the location and explore the surroundings to select one or more shooting spots. Imagine you are in Cala Pregonda, in Menorca (Spain).

Now, position yourself at the shooting spot.

Once there, open PhotoPills, tap Planner (Pills Menu) and make sure that your Geminids plan is loaded.

Tap the RA Night button to find the right ascension and declination. It's very easy.

But, throughout the night, the radiant moves across the sky. To see how it moves, drag your finger from right to left to move time forward.

This way, you can know exactly where to frame so that the radiant is always in your photos throughout the session.

If you want to know more about Meteor Showers and the mysterious radiant, take a look at the Meteor Showers guide that we update every year.

How to plan your lunar eclipse pictures

The best way to learn how to plan lunar eclipses is to use an example.

And what better example than the total lunar eclipse that occurred on January 21, 2019? ;)

In the following video you'll learn how to plan the total lunar eclipse of January 21, 2019 with the pyramids of Egypt ;)

Let's see another example... this time in Atlanta (USA)!

PhotoPills Planner - Eclipse calendar where you can select the eclipse you want to plan. PhotoPills Planner - Eclipse information on the map and top panels. It's very easy to visualize where you can photograph all the phases of the eclipse (or the phases you'll be able to see) from the Red Pin position.

Let's get to work...

The first thing you have to do is to select the eclipse you want to plan (and photograph). In this case, the penumbral lunar eclipse of July 5, 2020.

To do this, open PhotoPills, tap Planner (Pills Menu) and then tap the Map settings button, it's on the map, next to the (+) button.

On the Map settings screen, tap the little arrow to the right of the Eclipse layer to go to the eclipse calendar.

In the calendar, tap the 07/05/20 eclipse to select it.

On the Map settings screen, make sure you have the Eclipse layer turned on (the eye icon doesn't have to be crossed out). If it is, tap it to activate the layer. Tap OK (upper right corner) in iOS or the arrow to go back in Android. If you want to have a cleaner view on the Planner, you can turn off the rest of the layers (tap the eye icon to cross it out).

On the map, zoom out to see at a glance in which areas of the world the eclipse will be visible.

You know that, if you are going to photograph a penumbral lunar eclipse, you should go to a location from where you can see it...

To find out where you need to go, look at the visibility zones you see on the map. Place the Red Pin in a location within the area where the eclipse is visible, for example in Atlanta (USA). If you don't know how, this video shows you how to move the Red Pin.

Swipe the panels on the map to the left until you find the two eclipse information panels (Panel 9 and Panel 10).

Panel 10 displays which phases are visible at the Red Pin position. Keeping this panel visible, move the Red Pin wherever you want to quickly find out which phases will be visible and when.

According to the panel and taking into account the R