Astronomical calendar for December 2024
December 2024 brings a series of fascinating astronomical events, ideal for skywatching enthusiasts. From planetary conjunctions to meteor showers, here's the month's astronomical calendar:
🌑 December 1: New Moon
The month begins with dark skies, ideal for stargazing and planet observation.
🪐 December 4-8: Moon conjunctions with Venus and Saturn
During these days, the Moon will approach Venus on December 4 and Saturn on December 7 and 8. These encounters can be observed at dusk in the southwest, near the constellations of Sagittarius and Aquarius.
🌓 December 8: First Quarter Moon and Jupiter opposition
In addition to the first quarter, Jupiter will reach opposition, shining at an apparent magnitude of -2.7. It will be visible all night and will offer an exceptional opportunity to observe its Galilean moons.
✨ December 13-14: Conjunction of the Moon with the Pleiades and Jupiter
The Moon will graze the Pleiades star cluster at dusk on the 13th. On the 14th, it will be in conjunction with Jupiter, showing its maximum annual brightness.
The Geminids, one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, will reach their peak around the same date. However, the full moon could make viewing difficult, leaving only the brightest meteors visible.
🌕 December 15: Full Moon
Known as the “Cold Moon,” it will reach its fullest extent at 9:03 UTC.
🔴 December 18: Conjunction and occultation of Mars by the Moon
At dawn, the Moon will be in conjunction with Mars. Later, Mars will be occulted by the Moon, an event observable from Spain and other parts of Europe.
❄️ December 21: Winter Solstice
Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere at 03:20 UTC, while summer begins in the Southern Hemisphere.
🌠 December 21-22: Ursid meteor shower peak
This more modest meteor shower, with 5-10 meteors per hour, will be best observed in the early evening to avoid the glare of the Moon.
🌘 December 28-29: Moon Conjunction with Mercury
In the last few nights of the year, a thin, waning crescent Moon will approach Mercury just before dawn.
Summary:
December is a month packed with astronomical activity. From planetary conjunctions to meteor showers, it offers multiple opportunities to observe the sky and bid farewell to the year with breathtaking celestial events. Get your binoculars and telescopes ready, and don't miss the chance to marvel at these phenomena.