Your stargazing guide to astronomical events in 2024
“These photos of the milkyway rising behind the lighthouse were taken in 2017 before the lights broke, were repaired, and dimmed significantly by the Coast Guard (in 2018).” | Photo provided by @themilkywaychaser
We’re seeing stars. Between this year’s total solar eclipse, four supermoons, and a host of other happenings in the night sky, 2024 will be a great year for stargazing. Here’s what, how, and where to watch.
What’s on the horizon
Supermoons, blue moons + lunar eclipses
There will be four supermoons in 2024, in which the moon will be full while at (or near) its closest point to Earth, or “perigee.”
The result: a bigger, brighter full moon.
Between Tuesday, Sept. 17 and Wednesday, Sept. 18, you’ll also get to spot a partial lunar eclipse, where Earth’s shadow will fall over the moon between 10:44 p.m. and 11:17 p.m. (EST).
Meteor showers
At least a dozen annual meteor showers are visible across the world each year, according to the American Meteor Society. Here are a few to look forward to:
Eta Aquarids | Monday, April 15-Monday, May 27 | Peaks before dawn on Sunday, May 5
Perseids | Sunday, July 14-Sunday, Sept. 1 | Peaks Monday, Aug. 12
Light pollution in urban centers means that a clear night sky is hard to come by. Luckily, you have two options:
Find your nearest DarkSite by using a light pollution map. If you’re using a resource that lists Bortle values, you’ll want to find a place tracking five or lower in order to track meteor showers.
Join up with a local observatory or stargazing group like Lowcountry Stargazers. They might have telescopes and other equipment to help you get a good view.
As a long-term option, check out DarkSky International, an organization advocating for better lighting practices and clearer skies. See if you have a nearby chapter, and start protecting the night in your own backyard.
Ward’s 9th Brass Band | Tuesday, March 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy., Charleston | $10 | Check the show featuring the sounds of New Orleans.
The Citadel Baseball vs Charleston Southern | Tuesday, March 26 | 7-10 p.m. | The Joe, 360 Fishburne St., Charleston | $12 | Watch these two Charleston schools battle it out.
Wednesday, March 27
Wednesday Workshop - Canva Basics | Wednesday, March 27 | 9-11 a.m. | Chamber Boardroom, 402 North Main St., Summerville | $25-$40 | Discover the power of Canva’s user-friendly platform as you learn its essential tools and features.
Crescent City Trivia | Wednesday, March 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Bay Street Biergarten, 549 E. Bay St., Charleston | $10 | Fans of this book series are invited to test out their knowledge.
Thursday, March 28
Cheers on the Pier | Thursday, March 28 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Price of purchase | Wrap up your workday on the Mount Pleasant Pier with live music, craft beer, good friends, and a gorgeous sunset.
Macrame Bunny Ring Class | Thursday, March 28 | 6-8 p.m. | New Realm Brewing Co., 880 Island Park Dr., Charleston | $35 | Join for an Easter-themed night of crafting your own adorable macrame bunny ring set.
Get this free 2024 Travel Guide to plan your trip to NC
The North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, offering safaris, large enclosures, giraffe feedings + an Asia expansion coming soon. | Photo provided by Heart of NC Visitors Bureau
The community can now follow the City of Charleston on its first and official Instagram page at @citycharlestonsc. You can also opt into Mayor Cogswell’s exclusive monthly newsletter for news, project updates, and insights into the city’s future.
Drink
North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood will get a new drinking spot called Sissy Bar opening this month at 1067 E. Montague Ave. where Three Sirens and YoBo Cantina both previously operated. The bar specializes in mezcal and tequila drinks. (Charleston City Paper)
Shop
Modern Manor is Mount Pleasant’s newest boutique market at 2521 N. Hwy. 17 (across from Boone Hall Farms). The market has 30+ vendors offering clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, and home decor. This market is open daily.
Biz
Small business owners — don’t miss the City of Charleston’s Small Business Opportunity Expo this Wednesday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gaillard Center. Attendees can meet municipal partners, organizations, and colleagues to learn and explore opportunities. This event is free, but registration is required.
Announced
Congrats to @celiappope, our CHStoday winner of two GA Weekend Passes to Bear Shadow music festival in NC’s Highlands-Cashiers Plateau May 11-12 ($600+ value). Didn’t win? Grab your tickets.*
Plan Ahead
Psst — Taxes are almost due. Use E-file for quick, online filing. Plus, file your federal taxes for free with their basic software plan.*
Answered
🫘 Espresso yourself
Answered: 20 places in Charleston to get an Espresso Martini
City Editor Erika here; I tried a Espresso Martini for the first time at Élevé. | Photo by the CHStoday team.
City Editor Erika here. A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post on Instagram asking for the best places to get Espresso martinis around CHS. And you did not disappoint. We got hundreds of comments shouting out the best place to get your fun caffeinated sips. Keep reading for 20 options.
La Bonne Franquette | 652 St. Andrews Blvd.
The Palmetto Hotel Charleston | 194 E. Bay St.
Felix Charleston | 550 King St.
MOMO | 1049 Everglases Ave., North Charleston
The Obstinate Daughter | 2063 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island
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