The mission is part of a larger program that includes missions to the Moon as a way to prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet. It will also characterize the planet's climate and geology, collect samples for future return to Earth and pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet. The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover's astrobiology mission will search for signs of ancient microbial life. It’s the second brightest object in our sky after the moon. Venus, our closest neighbor in the solar system, will appear in the western sky at dusk on the evenings of May 24 to December 31. It will shine in the night sky from May 3 to May 24, August 31 to September 21 and November 29 to December 31. Mercury will look like a bright star in the morning sky from February 28 to March 20, June 27 to July 16, and October 18 to November 1. It’s possible to see most of these with the naked eye, with the exception of distant Neptune, but binoculars or a telescope will provide the best view. Skywatchers will have multiple opportunities to spot the planets in our sky during certain mornings and evenings throughout 2021, according to the Farmer’s Almanac planetary guide. It won’t be seen in North America, but those in the Falkland Islands, the southern tip of Africa, Antarctica and southeastern Australia will be able to spot it.

ET.Īnd the year ends with a total eclipse of the sun on December 4. November 19 will see a partial eclipse of the moon, and skywatchers in North America and Hawaii will see it between 1 a.m. The sun won’t be fully blocked by the moon, so be sure to wear eclipse glasses to safely view this event. ET.Īn annular eclipse of the sun will happen on June 10, visible in northern and northeastern North America from 4:12 a.m. This year, there will be two eclipses of the sun and two eclipses of the moon – and three of these will be visible for some in North America, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.Ī total eclipse of the moon will occur on May 26, best visible to those in western North America and Hawaii from 4:46 a.m.

Full moom feb 2021