As Christmas Day approaches, astronomy enthusiasts will wake up to a celestial treat. On December 25th, six planets will form a stunning arc across the sky, visible from east to west.
Four of these planets – Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn – can be seen with the naked eye and will shine brightly through your new telescope. Begin observing at around 5:30 pm (with UK timings) or adjust for US latitudes. The key is to wait until darkness falls and the Sun sets out of the way.
Here’s a tour of the planets:
– Venus: Observe in the southwest sky, near the horizon. Look for a silvery-white star shining brightly with steady light. With magnification, it will appear as a tiny, gibbous Moon.
– Saturn: Higher in the sky, above Venus, you’ll see a gold-hued star. Unfortunately, its famous rings are currently tilted and won’t be visible, but they’ll appear as sharp lines on either side of the disc.
– Neptune: Visible close to Saturn, this blue-green disc will shine at its highest magnification.
– Jupiter: Above Orion’s belt, shining brightly in the southeast sky, you’ll find a pale yellow-white disc with noticeable bands and cloud patterns. Look for up to four moons near the planet through binoculars or your telescope.
– Uranus: If familiar with the constellations, observe this blue-green disc towards Jupiter. Be prepared to learn more about stargazing if unfamiliar with the sky’s layout.
– Mars: Near Orion’s left side, a striking orange star will appear, shining brightly due to its close proximity to Earth. Get ready for amazing views as it climbs higher into the night sky.
Remember, there’s much more to explore beyond these planets. Visit our guides on winter constellations, star clusters, and stargazing for further insight.
Source: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/planetary-parade-christmas-day-2024