This December, celestial events are set to capture the attention of skywatchers with some remarkable occurrences lighting up the sky.
NASA’s longstanding web series, “What’s Up,” highlights the celestial sights and provides insight into what observers can expect this month. One of the standout features is Venus, which maintains its brilliance as the ‘Evening Star.’ This planet will be visible in the early evening sky, offering a stunning display of its beauty all month long.
Meanwhile, Jupiter reaches its peak brightness for the year, making it an unmissable sight for enthusiasts. Jupiter’s position in the sky during December provides an exceptional opportunity for those interested in viewing this massive planet.
Another highlight is the Geminid meteor shower, which peaks under challenging moonlit skies this December. Despite the moon’s illumination, which might obscure some of the fainter meteors, the Geminids are known for their bright and numerous meteors, rendering it one of the most reliable meteor showers annually.
Skywatchers are encouraged to explore the night sky throughout December, using these tips to guide their observations. Past episodes of “What’s Up” provide additional insights into skywatching techniques and celestial events.
The series “What’s Up,” created by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory team, first began in April 2007. Today, the production is managed by space enthusiasts Preston Dyches, Christopher Harris, and Lisa Poje, alongside contributions from astronomy experts like Bill Dunford and Lyle Tavernier. Their dedication to providing monthly updates helps skywatchers keep track of interesting events occurring in the night sky.
For anyone interested in astronomy, December offers a wonderful array of celestial displays to observe. With Venus shining brightly and Jupiter taking center stage in the night sky, along with the reliable Geminid meteor shower, this month’s events promise unforgettable experiences for skywatchers.
Source: Science.Nasa
