Astronomy and Astrology: Major Events and Phenomena

Astrology examines the influence of cosmic events on our lives, linking planetary movements to changes in mood, well-being, and societal trends. Let’s explore the most significant astronomical and astrological events worth marking on your calendar to better understand their impact on the world around us: “Of course, it’s all because of the eclipse!”

1. Solar and Lunar Eclipses: A Reset and Mystical Signs

Solar and lunar eclipses are moments when celestial bodies put on a little “light show” for us. During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the Sun, causing noticeable changes in lighting — the sky takes on an unusual hue, and the sunlight becomes more diffused and cooler. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts its shadow on the Moon, turning it a mysterious shade of red. If you feel like everything is going haywire on these days, just remember that many ancient civilizations considered eclipses harbingers of transformation!

Eclipses occur on different dates each year and do not repeat annually because the Moon’s orbit is tilted relative to the plane of Earth’s orbit (the ecliptic). The Moon moves in an elliptical orbit, and its nodes — the points where its orbit crosses the ecliptic — are constantly shifting. As a result, eclipses only occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align near these nodes. Each year, the nodes shift by about 19 degrees, meaning eclipse dates don’t follow a simple annual cycle but instead adhere to the complex Saros cycle, which spans approximately 18 years. This makes predicting eclipses both intricate and fascinating. You can read more about lunar and solar eclipses here.

2. Solstices: The Longest and Shortest Days of the Year

Solstices occur twice a year, in June and December. These moments mark either the longest day of the year (summer solstice) or the longest night (winter solstice). In ancient times, these events were celebrated with grand festivals — think of Stonehenge, where people still gather to witness the sunrise. The effects of solstices on mood are noticeable: summer’s long daylight hours boost energy and a sense of adventure, while winter’s darkness encourages introspection and cozy moments with a warm drink.

In different hemispheres, solstices occur in opposite seasons due to the Earth’s axial tilt. When the Northern Hemisphere experiences the summer solstice (June 21–22), with its longest day and shortest night, the Southern Hemisphere is simultaneously undergoing its winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The pattern reverses on December 21–22: the North experiences its shortest day while the South enjoys its longest. This is why December is summertime in Australia and South America, while June brings winter to these regions.

3. Equinoxes: A Time of Balance

The spring and autumn equinoxes are the moments when day and night are nearly equal in length. Spring brings renewed light, nature’s awakening, and the start of the astrological new year (since Aries is the first zodiac sign). Autumn, on the other hand, signals a time for reflection, closing cycles, and preparing for winter. Astrologers believe these days hint that it’s time to bring order — to our thoughts, lives, and emotions.

Equinoxes occur when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line dividing the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This happens twice a year, in March and September. At these moments, sunlight strikes Earth at a right angle to its axis, ensuring almost equal illumination for both hemispheres. That’s why days and nights are nearly the same length worldwide during equinoxes, except at the poles. This balance is due to Earth’s movement around the Sun and its tilted axis, which during equinoxes does not lean toward or away from the Sun.

4. Planetary Alignments: Rare Celestial Line-Ups

A planetary alignment (or “planet parade”) is a rare event where several planets appear to line up in the sky. Sometimes, this involves just three planets, but occasionally, grand alignments of five or more planets occur. The most commonly seen planets in these alignments include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Full planetary alignments, where all Solar System planets are visible at once, are exceptionally rare — occurring about once every 170 years. Smaller alignments (3–5 planets) happen every few years.

One of the most significant planetary alignments occurred in June 2022, when Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and other planets lined up. Similar major alignments took place in 1982 and 2000, with future notable events expected in 2040 and 2161. These cosmic occurrences fascinate both astronomers and astrologers alike, as they create breathtaking celestial views.

5. Retrograde Planetary Periods — Chaos Makers or Coincidence?

One of the most infamous planetary retrogrades is Mercury retrograde. During these periods, Mercury appears to move backward in the sky (though this is just an optical illusion), leading to superstitions about communication breakdowns, travel delays, and technology malfunctions.

Other planets also experience retrograde motion — Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and beyond — each affecting different areas of life. While some see retrogrades as disruptive, they can also serve as opportunities for reflection, reevaluation, and second chances.

6. Lunar Cycles: More Than Just Moon Phases

We are familiar with the basic Moon phases — new moon, full moon, first and last quarter. But some lunar events are less common and carry special significance:

Black Moon – The second new moon in a single calendar month, often seen as a time for making wishes and setting intentions.
Blue Moon – The second full moon in a month, a rare event that holds mystical symbolism.
Supermoon – Occurs when the Moon is closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky.

7. Solar Flares and Geomagnetic Storms: Cosmic Influences on Earth

Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy on the Sun’s surface that release streams of charged particles. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic storms. These storms can disrupt radio communications, GPS systems, and even power grids, while also creating spectacular auroras in high-latitude regions.

Some people report feeling more fatigued, anxious, or emotionally sensitive during strong geomagnetic storms. This is due to changes in Earth’s geomagnetic environment, which can influence the nervous system and circulation. Some astrologers associate heightened solar activity with periods of global tension and increased emotional intensity.

8. Meteor Showers, Comets, Asteroids, and Other Cosmic Phenomena

Meteor Showers

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left behind by comets. As these particles enter our atmosphere, they burn up, creating the effect of “shooting stars.” Some of the most famous meteor showers include:

Perseids (August) — One of the most spectacular showers, associated with Comet Swift-Tuttle.
Geminids (December) — Known for their bright and colorful meteors.
Leonids (November) — Can sometimes produce meteor storms with thousands of meteors per hour.

Comets: The Wanderers of the Solar System

Comets are icy celestial bodies that move along highly elongated orbits. As they approach the Sun, they heat up, releasing gas and dust that form their characteristic tails. Some of the most well-known comets include:

Halley’s Comet — Appears approximately every 76 years; the next visible appearance is expected in 2061.
Comet NEOWISE — A bright comet that was visible in 2020.
Comet Hale-Bopp — Passed close to Earth in 1997 and remained visible longer than most comets.

Asteroids: Cosmic Rocks

Asteroids are rocky celestial bodies that, unlike comets, do not develop tails. Most asteroids orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt, though some approach Earth. Notable asteroids include:

Apophis — A potentially hazardous asteroid that will pass very close to Earth in 2029.
Bennu — Studied by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, which collected samples and returned them to Earth in 2023.

9. Gravitational Waves: Ripples in Space-Time

Gravitational waves are disturbances in the fabric of space-time, created by massive cosmic events such as colliding black holes or neutron star mergers. First detected in 2015 by the LIGO observatory, these waves offer a groundbreaking way to study the universe. While they do not directly impact Earth, their detection has revolutionized our understanding of cosmic events and the nature of gravity itself.

10. Earth’s Magnetic Pole Reversals

Earth’s magnetic field is not constant — it undergoes periodic shifts where the North and South magnetic poles switch places. The last major reversal occurred about 780,000 years ago. Scientists believe that during these events, Earth’s magnetic field temporarily weakens, reducing its protection against solar wind. While such events could affect satellites and navigation systems, they do not pose an immediate catastrophic threat to life.

11. The Influence of Stars on Earth

Stars not only illuminate the night sky but also have physical and symbolic influences on Earth. While the direct impact of individual stars (aside from the Sun) is minimal, their radiation, supernova explosions, and gamma-ray bursts can have significant effects.

Supernova Explosions — Rare but extremely powerful events that release enormous amounts of energy. If a supernova were to occur within a few dozen light-years of Earth, it could affect the atmosphere, potentially disrupting the ozone layer.
Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) — The most energetic explosions in the universe, occurring when massive stars collapse or neutron stars merge. GRBs can emit more energy in a few seconds than the Sun will produce in its entire lifetime. If one were directed toward Earth and was close enough (within a few thousand light-years), it could cause severe atmospheric changes. Fortunately, such an event is highly unlikely, and no past GRBs have significantly impacted our planet.

Influence of Brightest Stars

Certain bright stars have played significant roles in culture, astronomy, and astrology throughout history.

Sirius — The brightest star in the night sky, located in the constellation Canis Major. In ancient Egypt, Sirius was associated with the goddess Isis and marked the annual flooding of the Nile, crucial for agriculture. Some esoteric traditions regard Sirius as a spiritual sun, a source of cosmic wisdom and higher knowledge. There are also theories suggesting that ancient Egyptian deities such as Osiris, Isis, and Horus were linked to Sirius.
Aldebaran — The brightest star in Taurus, also known as the “Eye of the Bull.” In astrology, it is associated with determination, leadership, and strength. Many ancient cultures, including the Sumerians and Arabs, used Aldebaran as an important navigation and prediction marker.
Orion — One of the most recognizable constellations, used for navigation by ancient civilizations. Some theories propose that the Great Pyramids of Giza were built in alignment with Orion’s Belt.
Arcturus — One of the brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere, historically significant for ancient sailors and travelers.
Vega — A star in the Lyra constellation, which will become the North Star in the distant future due to Earth’s axial precession.
Pleiades — Also known as the “Seven Sisters,” this star cluster has deep mythological and astrological significance across multiple cultures.
Betelgeuse — A red supergiant in Orion, expected to explode as a supernova in the future. This explosion will be visible from Earth and may even be seen during daylight. Astrologically, Betelgeuse is linked to success and sudden changes.
Rigel — A blue supergiant in Orion, symbolizing power, strength, and leadership.
Procyon — A bright star in the Canis Minor constellation, historically used for navigation like Sirius.
Spica — The brightest star in Virgo, associated with wisdom, harvest, and success in science and the arts.
Antares — A red supergiant in Scorpius, often called the “Heart of the Scorpion.” In astrology, it represents warrior energy, passion, and transformation.
Capella — The brightest star in Auriga, linked to protection and mentorship.
Altair — A star in Aquila, forming the Summer Triangle with Vega and Deneb.
Deneb — One of the brightest stars in Cygnus, associated with journeys and spiritual growth.

While astrology considers stars and constellations as points of energetic influence, their direct physical impact on Earth remains limited. However, studying these celestial bodies enhances our understanding of the universe and its cosmic processes.

12. The Milky Way and the Center of Our Galaxy

The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy that houses our Solar System. It contains hundreds of billions of stars, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter. With a diameter of approximately 100,000 light-years, the galaxy consists of several arms, one of which — the Orion Arm — is home to Earth.

The Galactic Center and Sagittarius A*

At the heart of the Milky Way lies Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), a supermassive black hole with a mass of approximately 4 million Suns. Its existence was confirmed through observations of stars orbiting an invisible yet extremely massive object at incredible speeds. The most well-known of these stars, S2, moves at nearly 5,000 km/s (3,100 mi/s) and comes as close as 120 AU (roughly the distance from the Sun to Pluto) to the black hole. This extreme gravitational pull can only be explained by the presence of a supermassive object.

The “Shadow” of the Black Hole

In 2022, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) captured the first-ever image of the shadow of Sagittarius A*. Since black holes do not emit light, they cannot be seen directly. However, the surrounding accretion disk — a swirling ring of superheated gas — emits bright radiation. The intense gravity bends the light, forming a glowing ring around the event horizon, with the center appearing dark where light is absorbed.

Central Suns and Their Influence

Some theories suggest the existence of so-called central suns — special stars or clusters that may influence our galaxy or even impact cosmic energy processes. While this concept lacks scientific confirmation, in esoteric and spiritual traditions, these celestial objects are often associated with sources of higher energy and cosmic cycles.

The Cosmos and Its Influence on Our Lives

Astrological events are not just opportunities for stargazing — they also provide a chance to align with the natural rhythms of the universe. Regardless of your zodiac sign, we all live under the same cosmic forces and can feel their influence. The key is not to blame the stars for everything but rather to use their energy to your advantage.