annee24013 — Announcement

Night Sky December 2024

2 December 2024

NOIRLab’s system of observatories and exploration tools are unraveling the secrets of the Universe. You can start your own journey to explore the night sky right from your own backyard. There are plenty of celestial events for skywatchers to observe every month. Here are some highlights.

Key terms

Conjunction

A conjunction occurs when two or more astronomical objects appear close together in the sky, which often creates dramatic views.

Degrees

Degrees are a measure of distance across the sky. With an outstretched arm, one degree is about the width of your pinky finger.

4 December: Moon and Venus conjunction

The crescent Moon and bright Venus will be just three degrees apart in the early evening sky. Look southwest from Tucson and Hilo, and west from La Serena.

The night sky from Tucson on 4 December about an hour after sunset. Hilo will have a similar view, while La Serena observers should look to the west. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Stellarium

7 December: Jupiter opposition

Jupiter reaches opposition on 7 December, meaning it will be directly opposite the Sun as seen from Earth. This will make it appear large and bright. From Tucson, La Serena and Hilo, the giant planet will rise in the east-northeast at sunset and set in the west-northwest at sunrise.

8 December: Moon and Saturn Conjunction

Saturn will slip behind the Moon entirely on 7 December, but it will only be visible from Japan and nearby locations. Nevertheless, the Moon and Saturn will still be relatively close after sunset on 8 December, with Venus also joining the party to form a line of celestial objects. Look south from Tucson, southwest from Hilo, and northwest from La Serena.

13–14 December: Geminid Meteor Shower

The Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night between 13 and 14 December. The Geminids are often one of the year’s best showers, but this year the Moon will be just two days away from full, washing out much of the show. Still, it’s worth looking for meteors a few days before and after the peak. The shower’s radiant point — the spot from which they seem to appear — is in the constellation Gemini (in the east from Tucson and Hilo, and in the north for La Serena). However, you can see meteors in any part of the sky if conditions are right.

14 December: Jupiter and Moon conjunction

After sunset, look for Jupiter sitting nearly perfectly between the Moon and the star Aldebaran. Look east from Tucson and Hilo, and northeast from La Serena.

17–18 December: Mars and Moon Conjunction

The Moon and Mars will come within one degree of each other on 18 December at 1:55 a.m. MST. They will be directly overhead from Tucson, but not visible from Hilo or La Serena. However, you can still catch them relatively close to each other in the northeast the evening of the 17th from La Serena, and in the east after midnight from Hilo.

20–21 December: Solstice

The December Solstice officially happens on 20 December at 10:20 p.m. in Hilo, 21 December at 2:20 a.m. in Tucson, and 21 December at 6:20 a.m. in La Serena. For Tucson and Hilo, it’s the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. For La Serena, it’s the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.

Contacts

Jason Davis
Email: jason.davis@noirlab.edu