The solar and lunar eclipses of 2002 are not as spectacular as 2001. The only eclipse visible from Northwest Indiana occurs on November 11. A penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible in North and South America, Europe, and Africa. Most of the eclipses are hidden from our view here in Northwest Indiana. On May 26, a penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible from Australia and the Pacific. On June 10, and annular solar eclipse will be visible from Southern Mexico. On June 24, a penumbral lunar eclipse will occur but will be too shallow to view. On December 4, a total solar eclipse will be seen from South Africa and Australia.

NASA has scheduled space shuttle missions to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on March 21, May 2, August 1, and September 6. A space shuttle mission for the third servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope is scheduled for February 14. A research mission will be launched on June 27.

Different orbiting objects can be seen in the night sky at different times throughout the year. The International Space Station Alpha is easily visible in the night sky. The Hubble Space Telescope can be seen from latitudes to 40 degrees, which puts Northwest Indiana near the edge of the viewing area. Iridium satellites can also be seen as brief, spectacularly bright flashes in the night sky. There are 66 or more satellites that will look similar to a short, bright meteor segment. Observing predictions can be found on the internet.

The meteor showers occur at the same time each year. The only months without meteor showers are February, March, June, and September. The first meteor shower of the year peaks on January 3 and is the Quarantid meteor shower. At the end of the third week in April, the Lyrid meteor shower occurs. Look high in the east before dawn. In early May, the Eta Aquarids occur, showing us remnants of Comet Halley. At the end of July, the Delta Aquarid meteor shower is visible before dawn. The Perseid meteor shower peaks about August 12. It is visible soon after dark and is the most active summer meteor shower. October’s meteor shower is again the remnants of Comet Halley. The Orionid meteor shower peaks on October 21. It should be most active in the early morning hours with fast-moving meteors. Many will leave a persistent trail behind them. November has two meteor showers. The Taurid meteor shower peaks on November 4. The second November meteor shower peaks on November 16. The Leonid meteor shower may produce an intense meteor shower sometimes called a “storm” during part of its activity. Last year, the “storm” occurred over the United States, but it was too cloudy to view from Northwest Indiana. Where the “storm” will occur is unpredictable, so watch this meteor shower just in case. In December, there are two meteor showers. The Geminid meteor shower occurs about two weeks into the month and can be viewed all night. The Ursid meteor shower is a much lighter shower occurring just before the holidays and can be watched all night. The Ursids come out of the northern sky.

The Merrillville Community Planetarium has three public programs scheduled for the 2001-2002 school year. The winter show scheduled for January and Early February is “The Winter Sky”. The spring show in April is “The Sun’s Family”. The summer show in July is “More than Meets the Eye”. Next school year’s fall public show has not yet been chosen, but it is scheduled for October.