Must-see astronomical events and where to watch them in the US

Must-see astronomical events and where to watch them in the US - There is truly nothing like gazing up at a clear, dark night sky and seeing thousands of bright stars and constellations. At certain points during the year, we are fortunate to get glimpses of the planets in our solar system in addition to other breathtaking celestial events, including meteor showers and eclipses. The website The Sky offers a calendar of astronomical events taking place in 2018.

In honor of Astronomy Day on April 21, browse through the gallery of some of the must-see astronomical events and the ideal locations to watch them in the US.

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Lyrids Meteor Shower - This meteor shower starts annually on April 16 and finishes on April 25. The best night to see the show is April 22. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra and produce around 20 meteors at its peak.

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Lyrids Meteor Shower - Arches National Park - Head over to the park in Utah to see over 2,500 stars in addition to the meteor shower. The red-sandstone desert arches set the perfect foreground for the show.

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Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation - Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation, of 27º from the Sun, on April 29. A planet at its greatest western elongation means that it is visible before sunrise.

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Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation - Death Valley - Death Valley in California offers stunning views of the night sky and is considered one of the country's darkest skies. The best views of Mercury will be at the northwest part of the park shortly before sunrise.

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Eta Aquarids - This meteor shower peaks on May 6 and 7, and although most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere, meteors can reach 30 per hour in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Eta Aquarids - Glacier National Park - Head to Montana to view the show in one million acres of pristine wilderness. The park guide recommends planning a backpacking trip to catch the best views of the night sky.

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Jupiter at Opposition - This incredible event will take place on May 9. Jupiter will be at its closest to the Earth and completely opposite to the Sun. It will also be bright and visible throughout the entire night.

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Jupiter at Opposition - Great Basin National Park - Take a good pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of Jupiter and four of its biggest moons at Great Basin National Park, NV. It was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2016.

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June Solstice - In 2018, the June solstice, the day in which the Sun reaches its most northernmost point in the sky, takes place on June 21 at 10:07 UTC. The first day of summer and the longest day of the year is best seen from the most northern state in the US—Alaska.

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June Solstice - Denali National Park and Preserve - One of Alaska's most well-known national parks not only offers stunning views of the northern lights, it is also an ideal place to watch the sunset at 12:04 am on this year's June solstice.

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Saturn at Opposition - On June 27, the planet will be at its closest point to the Earth and fully illuminated by the sun.

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Saturn at Opposition - Grand Canyon - Check out Saturn's rings at the Grand Canyon, AZ. With some of the cleanest air quality in the US, there's no way you could miss the event.

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Mars at Opposition - The red planet will be fully illuminated by the Sun and at its closest to Earth on July 27. It will be visible all night long.

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Mars at Opposition - The Headlands - The Headlands in Michigan is a celebrated stargazing location, consisting of a 550-acre park and designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2011.

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Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower - The shower—consisting of debris from comets Marsden and Kracht—reaches its peak on July 28. Although the full moon will block some of the brightest meteors, it is possible to see the show from a dark location.

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Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower - Kitt Peak National Observatory - Kitt Peak National Observatory, AZ, offers stargazers the clear skies of the Sonoran Desert. You can register for one of their 20-inch telescopes to get the best views of the meteor shower.

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Perseids Meteor Shower - You get the best views of the meteors radiating from the constellation Perseus on August 12. The meteor shower is famous for producing up to 60 meteors per hour.

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Perseids Meteor Shower - Mauna Kea - Mauna Kea, HI, is a 13,803-foot dormant volcano and home to the world's largest astronomical observatory. Virtually zero light pollution will guarantee perfect views of the meteor shower.

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Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation - Venus will be at its greatest eastern elongation (45.9º from the Sun) directly after sunset on August 17. A planet's greatest eastern elongation is where it can be visible after sunset.

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Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation - Cherry Springs State Park - Cherry Springs State Park, PA, is one of just a few Gold-Certified International Dark Sky Parks in the US. Its location atop a hill and 360º view of the night sky will give you the perfect glimpse of bright Venus.

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Neptune at Opposition - On September 7, Neptune will still only appear as a bright blue dot with the most powerful of telescopes, but it will be at its closest point to the Earth.

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Neptune at Opposition - Chaco Culture National Historical Park - Head to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM, to see 4,000 prehistoric archaeological sites during the day and stunning, clear skies at night. It was awarded an International Dark Sky Park Gold Certification in 2013.

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Orionids Meteor Shower - Peaking on October 21 is the meteor shower radiating from the constellation Orion. The show will feature 20 meteors per hour at its peak.

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Orionids Meteor Shower - Cedar Breaks National Monument - Cedar Breaks National Monument, UT, joined the International Dark Sky Parks in 2017. Its 10,350-foot altitude offers breathtaking views of the stars, planets, and Orionids meteor shower.

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Uranus at Opposition - The planet will be closest to Earth and fully illuminated by the Sun on October 23.

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Uranus at Opposition -Badlands National Park - Grab the most powerful telescope you can find and head off to Badlands National Park, SD, for the best views of the blue-green planet.

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Taurids Meteor Shower - This unique meteor shower peaks on November 5 and takes place in two separate streams. The first meteors you will see consist of dust from Asteroid 2004 TG10 and the second stream of meteors comes from Comet 2P Encke.

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Taurids Meteor Shower - Bryce Canyon National Park - Bryce Canyon National Park, UT, is known for the views of the Milky Way across the horizon and its picturesque skies featuring over 7,500 stars. If you head here for the shower, it won't disappoint.

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Leonids Meteor Shower - Heading towards the end of the year, we have the Leonids meteor shower radiating from constellation Leo and peaking on November 17. It will be seen best in the early morning after the setting of the waxing gibbous moon.

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Leonids Meteor Shower - Big Bend National Park - Texas is home to Big Bend National Park, one of the least light-polluted areas in the country. Big Bend is where the desert meets stunning night skies and will be sure to offer you amazing views of the meteor shower.

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