Colorado is among the most beautiful states in the nation, and many residents cherish the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors here. If you appreciate wide open spaces and starry skies, you’ll love our gorgeous new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado. Located in quiet Elbert County, but still close to Denver, the Independence Neighborhood is an excellent place for soaking up nature’s beauty. In addition to our extensive hike and bike trails, we also offer plenty of open spaces that are perfect for stargazing. Looking ahead, 2022 will be a fantastic year to view these upcoming astronomical events:
April 22-23: Lyrids Meteor Shower
On April 22, the Lyrids meteor shower will begin. This meteor shower has the potential to make for a great viewing experience, especially if you have the chance to watch from a dark location after midnight. Lyrid meteors often leave a bright trail of dust that glows for a few seconds after the meteor shoots through the sky.
May 6-7: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
If you miss the meteor shower in April, you’ll get another chance in May. From May 6-7, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will be on display, and may produce up to 60 meteors per hour. Although its best activity will be seen from the Southern hemisphere, the dark skies of a waxing crescent moon will still offer an incredible show in the Northern hemisphere.
May 16: Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse is a sight to behold, and one will be visible on May 16 at roughly 7:30pm MST. A total lunar eclipse only happens when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. As a total lunar eclipse occurs, the moon will gradually darken and take on a rusty or red hue.
July 13: Supermoon
2022 will have three supermoons, one of which occurs on July 13. Supermoons are the result of the full moon phase coinciding with the moon orbiting in its closest position to Earth. When the full moon is located closer to our planet, its face looks larger and brighter. Head outside at 12:38pm MST, you won’t be disappointed!
August 27: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On August 27, Mercury will reach its greatest eastern elongation (27.3 degrees from the sun). When Mercury is in this position, it’s easiest to view from Earth. A telescope isn’t necessary–just look for the planet in the western sky as sunset approaches.
December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower
Although there will be several minor meteor showers this year, they pale in comparison to the Geminidis meteor shower. This is widely considered to be the most awe-inspiring shower, with up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at peak activity. Even though the light from the waning gibbous moon will block many of the meteors, others will be so bright and abundant that a dazzling show is still likely.
If you appreciate the tranquility that stargazing provides, you’ll love the abundance of opportunities to marvel at the planetary events occurring this year. Stargazing is best enjoyed in a dark environment that’s not polluted by city lights, and the open space at Independence Neighborhood (or the comfort of your own backyard) is ideal. Our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, offer modern living with small-town charm surrounded by nature. To learn more about what makes our community exceptional, please contact our team.