A glimpse at what Arizona can expect to see in the sky in 2022

As the Earth turns towards a new year, we, here, in Arizona and around the world await some exciting events in the sky!

We begin our journey with a brief analysis of eclipses!

In 2022, we will experience two eclipses of the Moon and two of the Sun. The first of these eclipses will be a partial solar eclipse on April 30. This will be a deep partial eclipse of the Sun, visible in far southern and central South America.

While not visible in Arizona, the details of this event are listed here.

Note: An eclipse never comes alone. A solar eclipse comes about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse. We get a major total lunar eclipse on the night of May 15 to 16.

This is a deep total eclipse of the moon and one which will be visible in Arizona.

The partial phases of this eclipse will begin for us at 7:27 p.m. on May 15 with maximum totality starting at 9:11 p.m..

Totality will last some 84 minutes and provides you with enough time to experience the true wonders of the “Blood Moon” effect. More information here.

The next eclipse for 2022, will be the partial solar eclipse on Oct. 23, visible over much or Europe and northern Africa.

The details of this partial solar event are found here.

The final eclipse of 2022, will be the next total lunar eclipse of Nov. 7 and 8.

This major total lunar eclipse will once again be visible in Arizona on the early morning of November 8th around 2 a.m. local time.

Learn more here.

Planets will be in full view in 2022, with the major planets Jupiter, Saturn and Mars offering some great views.

Mars will return to Arizona skies in full bloom in December with the best views coming Dec. 7. Mars will be high in the sky in the constellation of Taurus and appear at best some 17 seconds of arc in diameter.

Here is a great guide to that event.

Bonus: On the night of Dec. 7, a good portion of the USA will experience an eclipse of Mars by the Moon. This is very rare.

Here are the details.

Jupiter the giant planet will put on a very impressive showing in 2022, when it comes to opposition on the night of Sept. 26, high in the sky in the constellation of Pisces.

Learn more here.

Saturn the ringed giant, also puts on a great showing with its opposition coming on the night of Aug. 14.

Learn more here.

Meteor showers fill our skies in 2022!

Here are the best of 2022 and the best dates to view them.

The Moon may reduce the number of meteors seen, too!

Find out more here.

To print your own monthly star chart, click here. To view satellites/dates/times of passage, click here.

Listen to the Dr. Sky Show on KTAR News 92.3 FM every Saturday morning at 3 a.m.

The Dr.Sky Podcast is found here.