December’s night sky offers a celestial treat, with an array of astronomical wonders visible to the naked eye. From dazzling meteor showers to brilliant planets, the cosmos puts on a show that will captivate stargazers of all ages.
Planets to Spot
| Planet | Visibility | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Visible in the morning before sunrise | Low in the eastern sky |
| Venus | Brightest planet in the sky | Visible in the evening, low in the western sky |
| Mars | Visible in the evening | High in the southwestern sky |
| Jupiter | Visible in the evening | High in the southeastern sky |
| Saturn | Visible in the evening | High in the southern sky |
Meteor Showers
December is a month of prolific meteor showers, providing opportunities to witness numerous shooting stars.
| Meteor Shower | Peak Date and Time | Radiance Point |
|---|---|---|
| Geminids | December 13-14, 2:00 AM | Constellation Gemini |
| Ursids | December 22-23, 10:00 PM | Constellation Ursa Minor |
Special Events
- December Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): On December 21, the Earth’s northern hemisphere experiences its shortest day and longest night.
- Full Cold Moon: The December full moon, known as the Cold Moon, occurs on December 7.
Tips for Stargazing
- Find a location with minimal light pollution.
- Allow your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
- Use binoculars or a telescope for enhanced viewing.
- Check weather forecasts for clear conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best time to stargaze in December?
A: The best time is after midnight, when the sky is darkest.
Q: Where can I find a dark sky location near me?
A: Use websites like Dark Sky Finder or the Light Pollution Map to identify nearby dark sky locations.
Q: Is it necessary to use binoculars or a telescope?
A: While not essential, binoculars or a telescope will enhance your viewing experience.
Q: What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?
A: A meteor is a streak of light caused by a meteoroid entering the Earth’s atmosphere. A meteorite is a meteor that survives its passage through the atmosphere and impacts the ground.
Q: Can I see the aurora borealis in December?
A: The aurora borealis is most commonly visible in the months closer to the winter solstice, so there is a chance of seeing it in December at high northern latitudes.
Jupiter in December
December marks a significant period for Jupiter, the gas giant in our solar system. During this month, Jupiter undergoes several notable events:
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Opposition: On December 19th, Jupiter reaches opposition. This means that the Earth is located directly between the Sun and Jupiter, bringing Jupiter to its closest point to our planet for the year. As a result, Jupiter appears at its largest and brightest in the night sky.
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Perihelion: Shortly before opposition, Jupiter also reaches perihelion, its closest point to the Sun in its orbit. This occurs on December 13th, when Jupiter is approximately 465 million miles away from the Sun.
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Venus Conjunction: On December 21st, Venus makes a close approach to Jupiter in the sky. Known as a conjunction, this event provides an opportunity to observe the two planets side by side in the western sky after sunset.
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Northern Lights: Jupiter’s strong magnetic field and proximity to Earth during opposition can create auroras, known as the Northern Lights, in the northern latitudes. These displays can be visible in areas with clear skies and low light pollution.
During December, Jupiter is an excellent target for observation with telescopes and binoculars. Its cloud bands, moons, and Great Red Spot are all visible under clear conditions.
Astronomy in December
- Winter Solstice (December 21-22): The shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere occur during the winter solstice.
- Ursid Meteor Shower (December 17-26): A minor meteor shower with a peak of activity around December 22.
- Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation (December 16): Venus will be at its furthest point east of the Sun, making it visible in the evening sky.
- Mars Opposition (December 8): Mars will be opposite the Sun in the sky, making it the closest to Earth and brightest in the night sky.
- Full Moon (December 19): The final full moon of the year is known as the Cold Moon or Long Night Moon.
December Sky
"December Sky" is a biographical drama film that follows the true story of Homer Hickam Jr., a teenage coal miner’s son in Coalwood, West Virginia, in the 1950s.
Homer dreams of escaping his small, isolated town by building rockets. He inspires his friends to join him in his endeavor, despite being met with skepticism and ridicule from the community. With the help of his science teacher, Miss Riley, and the backing of his father, Homer’s rocketry project becomes a symbol of hope and aspiration for the entire town. Through his unwavering determination and the support of those around him, Homer eventually achieves his dream of becoming a NASA engineer.
Meteor Shower in December
The Geminid meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that occurs every December. It is one of the most reliable and prolific meteor showers of the year, with an average of 120 meteors per hour at its peak. The shower is caused by the debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which passes close to the Earth’s orbit every 1.4 years. The meteors are visible in the eastern sky in the constellation Gemini. The best time to view the shower is between December 13th and 14th, when the moon will be new and the sky will be dark.
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