|
The Geminid Meteor Shower is visible this month (NASA Meteor Photo Gallery) |
December is full of night sky happenings. Everything from the Geminid Meteors, to Jupiter and Saturn on display.
While the nights are cold, December often delivers incredibly clear skies. Grab a thick jacket and head outdoors, away from the city lights, and check out some celestial events.
Here are a few suggestions from John Goss, from the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society.
DECEMBER 2
Jupiter is at its brightest. It rises in the northeast as the sun sets in the southwest and is visible all night. At midnight, it lies nearly overhead and, by sunrise, it moves to the northwest.
DECEMBER 7
Earliest sunset takes place this night.
DECEMBER 10
Crescent moon lies very close to Saturn in the southeast
DECEMBER 13 | 8 p.m. through dawn on DECEMBER 14
The Geminid Meteor Showers, likely the year's best meteor shower. Look to the east at 8 p.m. and overhead at midnight. There will be no moonlight to interere with observations. Perhaps over 60 per hour.
DECEMBER 21 | 6:12 a.m.
Winter Sostice Begins
DECEMBER 25 | 7:00 p.m.
Moon directly below bright Jupiter
DECEMBER 27
Full Moon shines bright
