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Each month I highlight a few objects you can spot in the night sky without the need for optical equipment. Here are the exciting things for DECEMBER 2022.
PLANETS
Some great things to see this month- especially MARS which puts on a dazzling display, rivalling Jupiter! And VENUS returns at the end of the month.
MARS
Mars is spectacular this month shining red in the evening sky. Look south-east mid evening to see the red planet. It rides high amongst the stars of Taurus the bull and rivals Jupiter in terms of brightness. You will easily see the planet is red.
Mars mid month around looking south east
Courtesy of Stellarium
Mars and amongst a number of beautiful constellations
Courtesy of Stellarium
In the above map, (again looking south east from mid evening) Mars appears above the magnificent constellation of Orion and close to the star cluster Pleiades. Notice also the red stars of Aldebaran and Betelgeuse (of Orion).
Jupiter
Jupiter is a super bright evening object this month. Simply look south mid-evening and you cannot miss her!
Jupiter shining brightly mid month in the south west
Courtesy of Stellarium
Look south -south west mid evening to see Jupiter - it's bright!
Saturn - sets in the murk early evening by mid month
Venus
Venus appears as a brilliant 'evening star' toward the end of the month. You'll also see it close to Mercury.
Venus (lower and brighter) than Mercury: south-west on Christmas Day 4:30 as the Sun sets
Courtesy of Stellarium
Note also a beautiful crescent Moon in the same view!
Geminid Meteor Shower
This annual meteor shower will give you a super display -if the skies are clear! There could be as many as 60/hour.
How to see: The shower peaks on the night of the Wednesday14th December - look East toward the two stars of Gemini Cast and Pollux (Castor is the upper one of the two from which the Geminids appear to emanate). You can spot these two stars to the left of the red star of Orion Betelgeuse.
The Geminids emanating from the stars of Gemini Castor and Pollux - Look East 14th December
Courtesy of Stellarium
Don't forget to make a wish when you spot a shooting star!
Enjoy the night sky this month and let me know about your observations
Thank you for reading this blog and do let me know if there is anything you would like me to add to my Newsletter each month.