Stargazing at Independence: 5 Events in 2021

February 11, 2021

If you’re ready to become a Colorado homeowner, you may want to consider exploring the possibility of new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado. Just 40 miles southeast of Denver, each of our brand-new homes in the Independence Neighborhood is expertly crafted and nestled among the gently rolling acres of a repurposed working ranch. Offering 400+ acres of open space, our conservation community offers views for miles and room to spread out where residents can enjoy peaceful outdoor pastimes, such as stargazing. When it comes to following the night sky, there are several incredible 2021 planetary events that you won’t want to miss!

March 9-10

On March 9-10, stargazers will behold a cosmic huddle that’s visible from nearly every corner of the globe. Be on the lookout for a quadruple formation in the southeastern morning sky on these dates, and you may see Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn in alignment. The appearance of the crescent moon will complete the quadruple formation, and all should be visible with or without binoculars.

May 26

May 26 will bring about the rare occurrence of a blood moon and total lunar eclipse. This incredible occurrence only happens when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a way that allows the Earth’s shadow to cover the moon’s face. As the Earth moves to block the moon, the sun’s light is refracted off Earth’s atmosphere and appears to turn the moon red. Quite a sight to be seen!

July 12

Just after sunset, Venus and Mars will perfectly align to appear like they’re touching in the sky. The super-bright planetary alignment will be framed by the crescent moon, making for a stunning photo op. If you have a telescope, you’ll see both planets through the lens.

October 8

On October 8, you may have the opportunity to enjoy the light show of the Draconid meteor shower. The Draconids are a flurry of meteors that should be visible in the northwest skies just after nightfall. This spectacular meteor shower is expected to dazzle stargazers with 10 to 15 shooting stars per hour. The Draconids get their name from Draco, the dragon constellation.

November 19

A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from North America on November 19, 2021. Although it’s considered a partial eclipse, the Earth’s shadow will cover 95% of the moon’s surface. During the maximum phase of this partial eclipse, the lunar disk may be tinted orange or red.

2021 is sure to be an exciting year for night sky-watchers, as the cosmic events mentioned here are just a handful of what’s on the calendar. If you’re dreaming of experiencing these breathtaking planetary events from the comfort of your back yard or front porch, Independence Neighborhood is the perfect place to call home. Our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado are thoughtfully designed with modern details, unparalleled access to green space and views for miles and miles of the night skies. To learn more about availability, please contact our team.