This week’s celestial events offer a spectacular display for stargazers as a Cold Moon shines in the night sky alongside a bright Jupiter and the peak of the Geminid meteor shower.
**Friday, December 13** showcases the bright gibbous Moon, which will pass just north of Uranus early in the morning. The Moon’s presence will make spotting Uranus more challenging, but it will still be visible, particularly in the evening sky. Just after sunset, it will be located high in the east, allowing enthusiasts to find it near the star Aldebaran.
The Geminid meteor shower peaks today, but the bright Moon will obscure many meteors. Despite this, skywatchers are encouraged to look for meteors originating from the constellation Gemini as night falls, albeit conditions for viewing may not be ideal.
**Saturday, December 14** welcomes Asteroid 15 Eunomia, reaching opposition in Auriga. Though the Moon’s brightness may hinder visibility, those with larger telescopes might still catch a glimpse of this 8th-magnitude asteroid. A captivating sight will be the Moon passing just north of Jupiter later in the day, where both celestial bodies will share the sky as they shine brightly together.
On **Sunday, December 15**, the last Full Moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon, occurs early in the morning. As it sets in the west, Mercury will reach its stationary point against Scorpius, providing another stellar viewing opportunity.
Moving to **Monday, December 16**, double stars can be a fascinating sight, such as 145 Canis Majoris, which offers contrasting star colors as it appears high in the southern sky.
**Tuesday, December 17** presents Saturn, visible high in Aquarius and easily identifiable due to its brightness. Stargazers can utilize telescopes to admire its stunning rings and observe its moons.
On **Wednesday, December 18**, the Moon will be positioned close to Mars early in the morning, creating a striking view alongside prominent stars like Castor and Pollux.
**Thursday, December 19**, reveals the Little Dipper adorned across the night sky, providing a fantastic opportunity for viewers to appreciate its structure, anchored by the North Star, Polaris.
**Friday, December 20** culminates with Mercury reaching 50% illumination, positioned nicely against the backdrop of Scorpius and Ophiuchus, making it prominent before sunrise.
This week in astronomy emphasizes the beauty of natural celestial events that not only entertain but also entice the curiosity of stargazers everywhere, reminding us of the wonders of the universe. With the New Year approaching, these sightings can inspire hope and admiration for the night sky that surrounds us, offering moments of reflection and awe.
In summary, this week promises an inspiring spectacle for those keen on astronomy, with opportunities to witness a range of celestial phenomena under the winter sky.