18
October
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
Visible throughout most of the world, the moon will pass into the Earth's penumbra. The Moon's surface will darken noticably as this occurs.
3
October
Uranus at Opposition
Uranus will be at its closest approach to the Earth, its face fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best chance to view or photograph the blue-green planet, though you'll need a powerful scope to resolve the finer details.
27
August
Neptune at Opposition
The big blue planet will be at its closest approach to the Earth, it's face fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view or photograph Neptune, though you'll need a fairly powerful telescope to resolve major details.
12
August
Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseids are always a spectacular show, with up to 60 meteors an hour visible at its peak. Look to the constellation Perseus under dark skies, and you'll be guaranteed an awesome show.
28
July
Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Look to the east after midnight and you should be able to see 20 meteors per hour in the constellation Aquarius. The moon may hang around for the show, hiding some of the fainter meteors. Though the shower lasts for nearly a month, the best time to view the Southern Delta Aquarids is at their peak on July 28 & 29.
21
June
June Solstice
This is the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, and the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere. The Sun will have reached its northernmost position in the sky, with the north pole tilting towards the sun.
4
May
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Look to the east after midnight, under dark skies, and you should be able to catch this light meteor shower. At its peak, May 5 & 6, you should be able to catch 10 per hour out of the constellation Aquarius.
20
March
March Equinox
The Sun will shine directly on the Earth's equator, casting both north and south hemispheres in equal day and night. It's the first day of spring in the north and the first day of fall in the south.
25
May
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
The first eclipse of 2013 visible in North America- at least most of it. The moon will pass through the Earth's penumbra, causing subtle darkening on the Moon's surface.
28
May
Conjunction of Venus & Jupiter
In the evening sky, Jupiter and Venus will be within 1 degree of each other. Look west near sunset for the sight, and see if you can spot Mercury lurking nearby.