The Total Eclipse of the Sun Leads Star Gazing Events in 2017

2017 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years ever for star gazing as there are numerous upcoming events that you will want to be a part of. The hobby of looking at some of the solar system's most beautiful moments appeals to many, but to get the full effect you have to know when their happening.

These once in a lifetime experiences are really just that, and if you miss one you may be waiting years to get the chance again. Probably the biggest singular star gazing even this year will come this August when a total eclipse of the sun is visible throughout the US.

There will also be numerous other events leading up to the August Total Eclipse including early this year both Mercury and Jupiter will be close enough to visualize with well-defined features. This will be when both planets are the biggest and brightest and offer the best visuals when looking through a telescope.

Later this year in December, the Geminid meteor shower will offer up quite a spectacle and light up the sky like you've never seen before. This annual event has always become one of the most popular star gazing opportunities where you'll definitely want to have a high-quality telescope for. Even without one, the naked eye provides quite an experience and one that onlookers will be patiently awaiting.

Other noticeable star gazing events for 2017, some of which have already passed can be seen below:

• February 11 - COMET 45P/HMP
• February 26 - ANNULAR ECLIPSE
• March 29 - MERCURY, MARS, MOON
• April 10 - MOON MEETS JUPITER
• August 21 - TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
• November 13 - VENUS JOINS JUPITER
• December 13 - GEMINID METEORS