This December, three planets – Venus, Jupiter, and Mars – will make headlines in the night sky. The “Star of Bethlehem” or “Christmas Star,” a celestial event with an unclear origin, is expected to be visible around this time.
Here are the top stargazing highlights for December 2024:
– A rare conjunction of Venus and a crescent moon on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the western sky.
– Jupiter reaches opposition on Saturday, Dec. 7, making it an ideal viewing night with telescopes or binoculars.
– The Northern Lights are expected to be visible throughout the month, triggered by intense solar winds due to the sun’s “solar maximum” phase.
Additionally, two other celestial events will occur:
– A full moon on Sunday, Dec. 16, known as the “Cold Moon,” will rise in the east-northeast with four bright lights surrounding it.
– On Tuesday, Dec. 17, Mars will align with a waning gibbous moon in the eastern sky.
Remember to check online planetariums for location-specific information and clear skies this December.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2024/12/01/see-the-christmas-star-northern-lights-and-a-cold-moon-decembers-night-sky