December promises to be an exciting month for stargazers, with several notable events taking place in the night sky. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have confirmed that we are currently experiencing the peak period of aurora activity, known as solar maximum.
For fans of Jupiter, December is a great time to catch the gas giant at opposition on December 7, when it will be one of the brightest objects in the sky. The best viewing spots include eastern Indonesia, Japan, and the eastern Philippines.
A lunar occultation with Saturn is also set for December 7, which can be observed by stargazers in these regions.
The night of December 13 offers a unique opportunity to spot the Pleiades star cluster and Jupiter together. Catch them above the eastern horizon after sunset, then follow their journey across the sky.
A rare lunar occultation with Mars is set for December 17-18, when the moon passes in front of the red planet.
The winter solstice on December 21 marks the longest night of the year and offers a chance to witness the northern lights in a far-north location.
Finally, the Ursid meteor shower peaks from December 22-23, producing a handful of shooting stars per hour. The best viewing spots include areas with minimal light pollution, where the meteors appear near Ursa Minor.
These celestial events offer a range of opportunities for stargazers to witness spectacular sights in the night sky.
Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/december-sky-guide-2024-meteor-shower-8753687