top of page
Writer's pictureLuke

Stargazing Highlights for the rest of the year


Here’s what to watch for as we head into the latter half of the month of December.


Moon and Mars (December 18) Before dawn on December 18, the Moon glides near Mars in the constellation Cancer. Even if you’re just using your eyes, the Red Planet’s subtle glow is visible, but binoculars will really bring out its warm hue. In parts of Canada and Alaska, lucky skywatchers could witness a lunar occultation, watching the Moon briefly cover Mars.


December Solstice (December 21) On December 21, those in the Northern Hemisphere mark the start of winter, while the Southern Hemisphere celebrates the start of summer.


Ursid Meteor Shower (December 22) Though less flashy than the Geminids, the Ursids still produce a handful of meteors per hour. With the waning Moon dimming the sky, grab a warm blanket, find a dark spot, and keep your eyes on the Little Dipper’s vicinity for a few shooting stars.


Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation (December 25) Before dawn on Christmas morning, look low in the east for elusive Mercury. Its greatest separation from the Sun makes it easier to spot—an exciting find for seasoned observers and a fun holiday memory to share.


New Moon (December 30) A New Moon means darker skies and a perfect chance to hunt for faint star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. End the year by exploring the quieter corners of our universe, either with binoculars, a telescope, or simply your own eyes.


Want More Details? For a full rundown of December’s celestial events, including early-month happenings and top stargazing tips, check out my complete December guide here: Stargazing Calendar: A December to Remember in Colorado. Happy stargazing!


Catch these events on an AstroTour book now at AstroTours.org/book

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page