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The night sky is always changing, and on a clear night, you can see a variety of fascinating objects, including stars, constellations, bright planets, and sometimes even the moon. Special events like meteor showers can also add to the beauty of the night sky. Observing the night sky doesn’t require any special equipment, but a sky map can be helpful, and a telescope or binoculars can enhance the experience and allow you to see more objects in greater detail.
As we move into December 2022, there are several astronomical events worth keeping an eye on for stargazing enthusiasts.
On December 8, Mars will be at opposition, meaning it will be directly opposite the Sun in the sky as seen from Earth. This makes Mars brighter and more visible in the night sky.
The Geminids meteor shower will peak on the night of December 13-14. Known for producing bright and colorful meteors, the Geminids are a great opportunity to see shooting stars. The best time to view the Geminids will be after midnight when the constellation Gemini is high in the sky. To learn more about meteor showers, consider reading “The Beautiful and Mysterious World of Meteor Showers.”
December 21 marks the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the moment when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. This results in the longest night and shortest day of the year. The winter solstice is a significant event for many cultures and is often celebrated with festivals and other gatherings.
Also on December 21, Mercury will be at its greatest eastern elongation, meaning it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky, making it more visible to observers on Earth
The Ursids meteor shower will peak on December 22-23. This shower is produced by dust grains from the comet 8P/Tuttle and named after the constellation Ursa Minor. During the peak, observers may be able to see up to 10 meteors per hour. The best time to view the Ursids is in the early morning hours when Ursa Minor is high in the sky.
In conclusion, December 2022 offers a variety of astronomical events for stargazing enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in meteor showers, solstices, or planetary observations, there will be plenty to see and enjoy. Be sure to check out our events page for stargazing locations near you.
