The holiday season and winter are upon us, but there is still time to bundle up and catch a celestial sight (or two) in the sky this month.
From now until Dec. 31, many planets and the beautiful moon will be making appearances and passing each other in the night sky. Key events include Saturn and Venus “waving hello,” the slim crescent of the moon “paying a visit” to the Red Planet, and Venus and the moon creating a dazzling “duo,” according to NASA.
Make sure to check weather conditions and have a pair of binoculars, an auto-guided telescope, and a phone with a skywatching app handy when you go outside, so you can enjoy December’s skywatching delights.
What is a Conjunction and How Does it Impact Sky Views?
Before we dive into all the cool celestial sights of the month, it’s important to note what a conjunction is. NASA defines a conjunction as an event where two or more planets or stars appear to come close together in the sky. “Close” means these objects are apart by no more than a few degrees (so a few finger widths). If you want to get more technical, a conjunction takes place when two objects have the same right ascension, according to NASA.
So how does it relate to December’s skywatching lineup? Movements of the planets and the moon can create these “groupings” in the night sky, since the stars are in fixed positions. These “groupings” of the moon and one or more of the bright planets or stars are the most common types of conjunction.
Venus and Saturn “Pass” Each Other
Photo Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
From Dec. 9 through Dec. 13, Venus and Saturn barely bump into each other in the night sky. Venus, which will be surrounded by clouds, will continue to rise higher in the sky over the course of five days. You can catch this event by looking southwest after sunset.
The Slim Crescent of the Moon “Drops In” to See Mars
Photo Credit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory / YouTube
If you’re an early riser, you’re in luck: Catch a view of the slim crescent of the moon visiting the Red Planet on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. To see this “meeting,” direct your gaze towards the southeast and roughly 45 minutes before sunrise. You’ll get to view the moon above Mars on Dec. 22. By Dec. 23, the moon will move below the Red Planet and will be slightly east.
Venus and the Crescent Moon “Pair Up” in the Night Sky
Photo Credit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory / YouTube
At the end of the month, Venus and the crescent moon will form a dynamic “duo” in the night sky. On Dec. 28, try to spot the pair in the southwest sky at dusk. You’ll get to see Venus “hovering” above a slim lunar crescent at this time.
For more skywatching tips, visit NASA Science’s Solar System Exploration website.
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