This December 2024, the two Virginias offer a chance to witness some spectacular celestial events that will delight you and your family. Here are five must-see occurrences:
Jupiter Opposition: The gas giant will be at its brightest in the night sky during the first weekend of December as it reaches opposition with the sun. This alignment makes Jupiter more visible than ever, with its largest moons also easily observable through a pair of binoculars.
Geminids Meteor Shower: On December 14th, the Geminids meteor shower will reach its peak, producing over 100 meteors per hour. Although a nearly full moon will hinder visibility for fainter meteors, brighter ones should still be visible in the eastward direction towards the Gemini constellation.
Full Moon – The Cold Moon: On December 15th, the full moon will arrive, signifying the beginning of winter for the Native Americans. This month also features two new moons, with the second one known as the Black Moon, a rare occurrence happening every two and a half years.
December Solstice: On December 21st at 4:21 AM, the Earth’s poles reach their largest tilt away from the sun, marking the start of winter. Our region will experience only 9 1/2 hours of sunlight, with the rest being dark. However, we’ll gain more daylight time after the solstice.
Ursids Meteor Shower: This year’s Ursids meteor shower won’t be as spectacular as the Geminids, but it’s still worth observing on December 21st, especially in comparison to the moon’s illumination. Look towards the Little Dipper for viewing.
Don’t miss these celestial events this December! Head over to our website and share your photos with #WeatherTogether to showcase the beauty of the two Virginias.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/watch-five-celestial-events-two-015215657.html