December 2024 brings a rare celestial event known as a ‘black moon,’ marking the second new moon within the calendar month. This astronomical phenomenon coincides with a sequence of notable planetary alignments and celestial sightings.
A ‘black moon’ will rise on December 30 at 5:27 p.m. ET, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. This event occurs due to a new moon phase repeating within the same month. During this phase, the sun and moon are aligned in such a way that the moon is not visible from Earth since its illuminated side faces away from us. This invisibility makes new moon nights particularly favorable for astronomers, as the absence of moonlight allows for enhanced visibility of fainter celestial objects.
On December 28, there’s a conjunction of the moon and Mercury, visible to those situated eastward, such as in Cairo, where the event can be observed at 6:24 a.m. local time. Meanwhile, observers in New York will face challenges in spotting it due to the conjunction’s proximity to the eastern horizon. Mercury will rise slightly before the moon, allowing a brief opportunity to locate both the planet and the crescent moon in the predawn sky.
As December ends, visible planets offer stunning sights. On December 31, early risers in New York can briefly glimpse Mercury before it fades into the daylight. Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwestern sky during the evening. Jupiter, positioned east near Aldebaran, provides a contrast due to its less red hue as it moves across the sky. Mars, visible in the evening, can be spotted until sunrise, offering ample opportunities for observation.
In the Southern Hemisphere, astronomical events are equally captivating. For instance, observers in Buenos Aires can witness Venus and Saturn setting late in the evening on December 30. The north-eastern sky will guide viewers to Jupiter, positioned below Aldebaran. Mars will appear in the late night sky, rising further in altitude as the evening progresses.
For stargazing enthusiasts, January offers some of the most iconic winter constellations. In the Northern Hemisphere, Orion dominates the early evening sky, facing Taurus, with distinctive stars like Betelgeuse and Rigel providing navigational markers. Auriga, with its bright star Capella, and the Winter Triangle, formed by Procyon, Sirius, and Betelgeuse, become visible as night falls.
In the Southern Hemisphere, January nights reveal constellations connected to the ancient Argo ship myth, including Puppis, Carina, and Vela. Observers in these regions can enjoy a rich tapestry of stars, highlighted by the Southern Cross (Crux) and the bright star Canopus, set against the backdrop of an ‘upside-down’ Orion.
December 2024’s celestial events provide enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness a ‘black moon’ and other significant astral phenomena. Observers across both hemispheres can enjoy a rich display of planets and constellations, making this a remarkable month for stargazing.
Source: Space
