2024 Astronomical Events Highlight Solar Activity

In 2024, significant astronomical events captivated audiences globally, including a total solar eclipse in April and a historic geomagnetic storm in May that led to visible northern lights in California and other regions. The solar eclipse, partially visible in Stanislaus County, was the first since 2017, with no subsequent total eclipse expected in the contiguous U.S. until 2044. Concurrently, astronomers made strides in understanding novae, detecting far-ultraviolet emissions from 42 novae in the Andromeda galaxy using the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope aboard ISRO's AstroSat. Meanwhile, lunar exploration saw Japan's successful soft landing despite initial mishaps and the return of samples from China's Chang’e-6 mission. As the sun reached solar maximum, multiple aurora sightings were reported across the D.C. area, a rare occurrence linked to enhanced solar activity. Looking ahead, astronomers expressed hope for breakthroughs in dark matter and other cosmic phenomena in 2025.