A Stunning Array of Celestial Events Await in December 2024
December promises to be a stellar month for stargazing enthusiasts with a lineup of captivating celestial events. From dazzling meteor showers and planetary conjunctions to the arrival of the December Solstice, there is so much to observe. Keep reading to mark your calendars for these incredible astronomical events.
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Mark Your Calendar: Planets Align in December
PLANETARY CONJUNCTIONS
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December 5: Moon-Venus Conjunction: The breathtaking beauty of the lonely planet Venus will align with the moon for a spectacular show in the western sky just after sunset. Both celestial bodies will remain visible until around 9 p.m.
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December 8: Moon-Saturn Conjunction: Witness the moon nearing its palest phase as it dances with Saturn gettin. Look towards the west as evening sets in; the magnificent sight will be visible until around 11:45 p.m. when both fade beneath the horizon.
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December 15: Moon-Jupiter Conjunction: After dusk, spot the moon and the largest planet in our solar system Jupiter serenading each other in the eastern sky. Enjoy this celestial duo until around 3:40 a.m. when they disappear.
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December 18: Moon-Mars Conjunction: Before sunrise, watch as the moon delicately shares the eastern sky with Mars. This will offer a minimal opportunity to watch possibly this event.
- December 29: Moon-Mercury Conjunction: Asarusin, catch the waning crescent moon juxtaposed against the faint, but bright, icy-blue planet Mercury just before sunrise.
Prepare for the Geminids Peak!
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Gifts for Stargazers: Orion Nebula at its Finest and the Solstice Arrives
**December 14:** Not only will we experience the peak of the Geminids, but we’ll also encounter the Orion
Nebula at its brightest. Orion reaches its highest point around local midnight.
**December 21: December Solstice:** This date marks the longest night (shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest day
(shortest night) in the Southern Hemisphere. The December Solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and
summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy the winter Long
night.
What date should viewers expect to see the Moon-Saturn Conjunction?
## A Celestial Feast in December
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show! Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, an astronomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, to guide us through a spectacular lineup of celestial events awaiting us this December. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. December is indeed a remarkable month for stargazers!
**Interviewer:** It certainly seems that way. Our article mentions a number of planetary conjunctions starting with the Moon-Venus Conjunction on December 5th. Can you tell us more about that?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely! Just after sunset on December 5th, look towards the western sky. You’ll see the radiant Venus shining brightly alongside the crescent moon. It’s a truly beautiful sight, and it’ll last until roughly 9 p.m., making for a lovely evening spectacle.
**Interviewer:** That sounds spectacular. Then on December 8th, we have the Moon-Saturn Conjunction. What should viewers expect there?
**Dr. Carter:** That’s right. As evening sets on December 8th, head towards the west again. You’ll see the near-invisible moon, almost at its palest phase, alongside Saturn. Observe them carefully, as they will gradually fade below the horizon around 11:45 p.m.
**Interviewer:** And we have the Moon-Jupiter Conjunction to wrap up December.
**Dr. Carter:** Exactly! On December 15th, after dusk, the eastern sky will host a charming rendezvous between the moon and Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Enjoy their celestial dance as they illuminate the night!
**Interviewer:** Wonderful! Now, Dr. Carter, December wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Geminids meteor shower. Sadly, this year’s peak coincides with a full moon, right?
**Dr. Carter:** That’s correct. [ [1](https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/space-astronomy-highlights-2024) ] The Geminids peak between December 14th and 15th. While the full moon will definitely bring some light pollution, the Geminids are known for their slower, longer-lasting meteors, and we can still expect a beautiful display.
**Interviewer:** Excellent advice! Thank you so much for sharing these fascinating insights, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure. Clear skies to everyone, and happy stargazing!