As 2024 approaches its end, several remarkable astronomical events are still on the horizon that can be observed throughout the United States. To maximize your viewing experience, seek locations far from city lights, such as International Dark Sky Parks. These parks are officially recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association for their minimal light pollution and favorable outdoor lighting policies.
Consider exploring observatories or astronomy clubs that host public events centered around these astronomical occurrences. If you lack your own telescope, many of these organizations offer free access to their equipment for star gazing.
Additionally, RVing provides a practical way to enjoy these cosmic displays. After an eventful night of stargazing, you can retreat to the comfort of your RV. In certain locations, you might even enjoy the view of comets or celestial bodies just outside your RV before stepping back inside to warm up.
Orionid Meteor Shower – Sept. 26 – Nov. 22
The Orionids, an annual meteor shower that spans much of fall, is celebrated for its stunning visual spectacle. At its peak, observers can expect to see roughly 23 meteors per hour.
Viewing Tips: This meteor shower can be seen from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during the hours between midnight and dawn on clear nights. It’s advisable to find a dark area and bring a sleeping bag or a chair. Northern Hemisphere viewers should lie with their feet pointing southeast, while those in the Southern Hemisphere should face northeast. Allow your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness before looking up.
The Orionids are particularly noted for their brightness and rapid speed, reaching about 148,000 miles per hour.
Best Viewing Date: The peak viewing is anticipated on October 21. However, a bright moon this year may hinder visibility compared to previous years.
RVing for the Orionid Meteor Shower
While the Orionids can be spotted nationwide, they will appear most prominently in the southwestern sky for North American observers. Big Bend National Park is an excellent choice, recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and noted as having the darkest night skies of any national park in the continental U.S.
Consider renting an RV near Big Bend National Park.
Recommended Campground: The Rio Grande Village RV Campground features full hookups and a camp store. It offers back-in only sites along with laundry facilities and year-round staff.
Two Moons – Sept. 29 to Nov. 25
In a scene reminiscent of science fiction, Earth will host a “second moon” for about two months this fall. This “moon” is actually a small asteroid, roughly the size of a school bus, which will orbit our planet in a horseshoe-shaped trajectory. It will be too small to see without a professional telescope.
How to View: Observatories around the country are equipped with telescopes powerful enough to observe this second moon. Check with local observatories for events that may allow public viewing, such as at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, which collaborates with local groups to facilitate telescope sharing each month.
RVing Near Griffith Observatory
Consider renting an RV near Griffith Observatory.
Suggested Campground: Numerous campgrounds are available in the Los Angeles area, such as Dockweiler RV Park, located on the beach and providing hookups, showers, and a laundromat.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Closest Approach – Oct. 12 – 19
Some observers have nicknamed Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS the “Comet of the Century,” though experts advise managing expectations. Regardless, it promises to be a highlight for sky gazers this October, as it swings into our solar system approximately every 80,000 years—last being visible during the time of Neanderthals.
Viewing Tips: Binoculars or a telescope will likely enhance your viewing experience, though it may be visible to the naked eye. Look towards the constellation Leo shortly after sunset, and then shift your gaze towards Virgo to catch a glimpse.
Finding a dark sky will significantly improve your chances of spotting the comet.
Best Viewing Dates: Although the comet was visible in September, prime viewing opportunities will occur again in mid-October, especially for stargazers located in the northern U.S.
RVing Near Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania is an International Dark Sky Park well-known for exceptional starry night views. The park features an Overnight Astronomy Observation Field complete with telescope pads and a Night Sky Public Viewing Area designed to minimize light interference.
Consider renting an RV near Cherry Springs State Park.
Campground Details: The Cherry Springs State Park Campground offers rustic camping without hookups, along with a dump station and potable water. Showers and a camp store can be found within ten miles of the campground.
Super Hunter’s Moon – Oct. 17
Often referred to as the Hunter’s Moon, the October full moon will be a Super Full Moon, marking the second of the year and the final one of 2024. While it reaches its full phase at 7:26 AM Eastern Time on October 17, its impressive rise can be enjoyed at sunset that same evening.
Weather permitting, the Super Hunter’s Moon should be visible from most locations across the United States.
RVing for the Super Hunter’s Moon
If you wish to celebrate the Hunter’s Moon, the Tippecanoe County Historical Association in Indiana is hosting the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon on October 5-6. This event is a re-creation of the autumn gathering between French settlers and Native Americans at Fort Ouiatenon. You can camp near Fort Ouiatenon Park, partake in the celebration, and stay to view the moon later in the month.
Rent an RV in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Campground Information: Prophetstown State Park, located about 20 minutes from Fort Ouiatenon, features full hookups, a dump station, and showers.
Leonid Meteor Shower – Nov. 17-18
The Leonid Meteor Shower can produce up to 15 meteors an hour at its peak and is known for some of the fastest meteors in the night sky. This year, the viewing experience may be impacted by a waning gibbous moon, which could obscure visibility compared to previous years. The best time to watch the meteors will be late at night on November 17 through dawn on November 18, while the shower itself occurs from November 3 to December 2.
RVing Near the Leonid Meteor Shower
Observers should be able to catch glimpses of the Leonid Meteor Shower from nearly all of North America, but dark locations far from the bright lights of towns will offer the best visibility. Checking local weather forecasts is advisable, as cloud cover or an especially bright moon may affect your viewing experience.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, offers a fantastic opportunity to stargaze from its vast open areas.
Rent an RV near Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Campground Options: While there is camping available near the sand dunes, many local campgrounds are only accessible from April to October. The Zapata Falls Campground, located 7 miles southwest of the park, provides rustic camping year-round though lacks hookups.
Geminid Meteor Shower – Dec. 4 – 17
The Geminid Meteor Shower will occur during the first half of December, with a peak on December 13. However, a nearly full moon may make the meteors challenging to see. The optimal time for visibility is around 2 AM when the radiant—the area from which the meteors seem to originate—reaches its highest point, although meteors will be visible before this peak.
Under ideal dark sky conditions devoid of moonlight and clouds, observers could witness up to 120 Geminid meteors per hour.
This meteor shower can be seen across most of the Northern Hemisphere. As with most nighttime astronomical displays, the best viewing locations are those far removed from city lights.
RVing for the Geminid Meteor Shower
The Geminid Meteor Shower will be visible from a wide area of the U.S. Arches National Park offers expansive, unobstructed skies that are perfect for observing celestial events. Keep in mind that weather conditions and moon brightness may affect visibility. Planning a few extra days to explore Moab and its outdoor adventures is a great idea.
Rent an RV near Arches National Park.
Camping Options: Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway provides convenient access to the park and Moab, with full hookups and pull-through sites. Amenities include a hot tub, pool, a putting green, games, and a dog park.
Jupiter at Opposition – Dec. 7
The largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, will make its closest approach to Earth—only 380 million miles away—at 5 AM CDT on December 6. At midnight on December 7, it will be at its highest point in the sky, approximately where the sun is at noon that day.
Jupiter will be visible to the naked eye at this time, though finding a Dark Sky Park will enhance visibility by limiting light interference. Weather conditions may also have an impact on your ability to see the planet.
Utilizing a telescope will provide a more detailed view of Jupiter, and numerous observatories and stargazing groups will be hosting viewing events on this date.
RVing Near Jupiter at Opposition
One observatory offering public viewings on December 7 is the Landolt Astronomical Observatory at LSU, starting at 8 PM. Those interested may view both the moon and Jupiter, with free admission. The event may be canceled in case of cloudy weather.
Consider renting an RV near LSU in Baton Rouge.
Campground Recommendations: The Baton Rouge KOA Holiday, open year-round, features a hot tub, trampoline park, and mini-golf course, along with full hookups, and a pet-friendly policy.
Ursid Meteor Shower – Dec. 21 – 22
The last meteor shower of the year, the Ursids, is expected to be relatively low-key, with only 5-10 meteors per hour visible at its peak. Moonlight may further limit visibility, affected by weather conditions as well.
As with previous meteor showers and similar celestial events, the prime viewing locations are Dark Sky Parks or other dark areas away from urban light pollution.
RVing Near the Ursid Meteor Shower
Great Basin National Park in Nevada is a Dark Sky Park that offers an excellent opportunity for observing this meteor shower.
Rent an RV near Great Basin National Park.
Campground Information: The Lower Lehman Creek Campground within the park is accessible year-round, although it features no hookups or facilities aside from vault toilets.
These astronomical events provide spectacular reasons to visit national and state parks, even at nighttime. RVing enhances the experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in these celestial shows!
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