{"id":774714,"date":"2023-11-29T16:02:57","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T21:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/?p=774714"},"modified":"2023-11-29T16:02:57","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T21:02:57","slug":"stargazing-calendar-for-december-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/?p=774714","title":{"rendered":"Stargazing Calendar for December 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10052\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10052\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10052 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble.jpg\" alt=\"Orion Nebula Hubble\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble-750x750.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble-598x598.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Orion-Nebula-Hubble-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10052\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Orion Nebula in a composite image of visible light and infrared taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2006. Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Robberto (Space Telescope Science Institute\/ESA) and the Hubble Space Telescope Orion Treasury Project Team.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Embark on a cosmic journey through the celestial marvels awaiting us in December 2023. Brace yourself for a breathtaking display of meteor showers, planetary alignments, and astronomical spectacles that will adorn the night sky.<\/p>\n<p>Join us as we explore the wonders of this month\u2019s stargazing calendar, inviting awe and wonder at the splendor of the universe above.<\/p>\n<div class=\"342c8a430808ee5770f45cb96cddd88b\" data-index=\"2\" style=\"float: none; margin:10px 0 10px 0; text-align:center;\">\n<h5 align=\"left\">Would you like to be notified of stargazing events?<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_of_Meteor_Showers_in_December_2023\"\/>Summary of Meteor Showers in December 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Northern Taurids<\/strong>:\u00a0Start on October 20; peak on November 12; end on December 10.<\/li>\n<li><strong>November Orionids<\/strong>: Start on November 13; peak on November 28; end on December 6.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phoenicids<\/strong>: Start on November 28; peak on December 2; end on December 9.<\/li>\n<li><strong>December \u03c6-Cassiopeids<\/strong>: Start on December 1; peak on December 6; end on December 8.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Puppid-Velids<\/strong>: Start on December 1; peak on December 7; end on December 15.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Monocerotids<\/strong>: Start on December 5; peak on December 8; end on December 20.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u03c3-Hydrids<\/strong>: Start on December 3; peak on December 11; end on December 15.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Geminids<\/strong>: Start on December 4; peak on December 14; end on December 17.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Comae Berenicids<\/strong>: Start on December 12; peak on December 15; end on December 23.<\/li>\n<li><strong>December Leonis Minorids<\/strong>: Start on December 5; peak on December 20; end on February 4.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ursids<\/strong>: Start on December 17; peak on December 22; end on December 26.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quadrantids<\/strong>: Start on December 26; peak on January 4; end on January 12.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Antihelion Source<\/strong>: Start on December 10; multiple peaks; end September 10.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_of_Conjunctions_in_December_2023\"\/>Summary of Conjunctions in December 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Conjunction of the <strong>Moon and Venus<\/strong> in Virgo on December 9.<\/li>\n<li>Conjunction of the <strong>Moon and Mercury<\/strong> in Sagittarius on December 14.<\/li>\n<li>Conjunction of the <strong>Moon and Saturn<\/strong> in Aquarius on December 17.<\/li>\n<li>Conjunction of the <strong>Moon and Jupiter<\/strong> in Aries on December 22.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_2_Phoenicid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 2: Phoenicid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Phoenicids are a minor variable rate meteor shower. The peak will happen on December 2, but some meteors should also be visible between November 28 and December 9. They will radiate from the constellation of Phoenix at the low average speed of 18 km\/s. The Moon will be 19 days old waning gibbous at\u00a066%.<\/p>\n<p>These meteors originate from a stream of material from the disintegrating comet 289P\/Blanpain (D\/1819 W1).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9012\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9012\" style=\"width: 814px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Phoenix Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9012 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9012\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Phoenix Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Phoenix-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9012\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Phoenix Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_4_Mercury_at_greatest_eastern_elongation\"\/>December 4: Mercury at greatest eastern elongation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>This will be a good time to observe Mercury shortly after sunset as it will reach its greatest separation from the Sun. Look in the constellation of Sagittarius.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9026\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9026\" style=\"width: 812px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sagittarius Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"812\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 812w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x788.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x923.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-486x598.jpg 486w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x945.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9026 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9026\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Sagittarius Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"812\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 812w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x788.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x923.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-486x598.jpg 486w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Sagittarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x945.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9026\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sagittarius Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_6_December_%CF%86-Cassiopeid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 6:\u00a0December \u03c6-Cassiopeid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The December Phi Cassiopeiids are a recently discovered variable rate meteor shower. It will peak on December 6, but some meteors should also be visible between December 1st and December 8. They will radiate from the constellation of Cassiopeia at a very slow average speed of 16 km\/s.\u00a0They originate from an unknown Jupiter family comet.<\/p>\n<p>The Moon won\u2019t be interfering with the show too much as it will be a 23 days old waning crescent at\u00a029%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9013\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9013\" style=\"width: 812px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cassiopeia Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"812\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 812w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x605.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x709.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x566.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x726.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9013 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9013\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Cassiopeia Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"812\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 812w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x605.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x709.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x566.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Cassiopeia-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x726.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9013\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cassiopeia Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_7_Puppid-Velid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 7: Puppid-Velid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Puppid-Velids will peak with an zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) of 10 meteors per hour if conditions are ideal. The Moon won\u2019t interfere too much with observation as it will be a 24 days old waning crescent at 21%.<\/p>\n<p>Some meteors will be also be visible between December 1st and December 15. They will radiate from the constellation of Vela at an average speed of 40 km\/s.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9014\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9014\" style=\"width: 811px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Vela Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"811\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 811w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x606.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x710.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x566.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x727.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9014 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9014\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Vela Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"811\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 811w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x606.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x710.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x566.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Vela-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x727.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9014\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vela Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_8_Monocerotid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 8: Monocerotid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Monocerotids are a small meteor shower that will peak with an hourly average of 2 meteors if viewing conditions are perfect. Those conditions should be quite good since the Moon will be a 26 days old waning crescent at only 7%.<\/p>\n<p>Some meteors may also be spotted between December 5 and December 20. They will\u00a0 radiate from the constellation of Monoceros at the speed of 41 km\/s on average.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9016\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9016\" style=\"width: 814px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Monoceros Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9016 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9016\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Monoceros Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Monoceros-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9016\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Monoceros Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_9_Conjunction_of_the_Moon_and_Venus\"\/>December 9: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Moon and Venus will reach conjunction passing 3\u00b038\u2032 withing each other while sharing the same right ascension.<\/p>\n<p>Shortly before the conjunction, they will get even closer to each other at only 3\u00b018\u2032 of each other but not sharing the same right ascension. This is known as an appulse.<\/p>\n<p>Both will be visible in the constellation of Virgo, with the Moon at apparent magnitude -10.3, and Venus at -4.1. The Moon will be a 26 days old waning crescent at 8%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9020\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9020\" style=\"width: 907px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Virgo Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"907\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 907w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x542.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x635.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x506.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x650.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 907px) 100vw, 907px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9020 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9020\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Virgo Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"907\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 907w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x542.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x635.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x506.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Virgo-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x650.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 907px) 100vw, 907px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9020\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Virgo Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_11_%CF%83-Hydrid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 11: \u03c3-Hydrid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Sigma Hydrids are a faint meteor shower with only 3 meteors per hour on average during the peak, assuming optimal viewing conditions. Given that the Moon is only a day away from a new moon, those conditions will be very likely ideal.<\/p>\n<p>Some meteors may also be seen between December 3 and December 15. They will radiate from the constellation of Hydra at an average speed of 58 km\/s.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9017\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9017\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Hydra Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"1000\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x399.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x468.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x373.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x479.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9017 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9017\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Hydra Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"1000\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x399.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x468.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x373.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Hydra-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x479.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9017\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hydra Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_12_Large_Magellanic_Cloud_at_its_highest_point_in_the_sky\"\/>December 12: Large Magellanic Cloud at its highest point in the sky<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10047\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10047\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Large Magellanic Cloud ESA\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-750x750.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-598x598.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-75x75.jpg 75w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10047 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10047\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA.jpg\" alt=\"Large Magellanic Cloud ESA\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-750x750.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-598x598.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Large-Magellanic-Cloud-ESA-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10047\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) as viewed by ESA\u2019s Gaia satellite. Credit: ESA\/Gaia\/DPAC. License: CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way and the fourth-largest galaxy in the Local Group. The galaxy will reach its highest point in the sky at around midnight local time.<\/p>\n<p>With an apparent magnitude of 0.9, the LMC can be seen with the naked eye, but for better results I would recommend at least a pair of standard binoculars. Can you image that this small little cloud is home to 20 billion stars? Look in the constellation of Dorado. Luckily, there will be no interference from the Moon because it will be at the new moon phase.<\/p>\n<p>The Large Magellanic Cloud is located 163,000 light-years from us. It has been named after Ferdinand Magellan who observed it during his voyage of circumnavigation of the world in 1519.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10046\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10046\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dorado Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"800\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x595.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x697.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x556.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x714.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10046 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10046\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Dorado Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"800\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x595.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x697.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x556.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Dorado-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x714.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10046\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dorado Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_14_Conjunction_of_the_Moon_and_Mercury\"\/>December 14: Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Moon and Mercury will pass within 4\u00b021\u2032 of each other while sharing the same right ascension, in what is called a conjunction.<\/p>\n<p>The two celestial bodies will be in the constellation of Sagittarius, with the Moon at apparent magnitude -8.6, and Mercury at 0.5. The Moon will be a 2 days old very thin waxing crescent at 3%. (Constellation map already displayed above, when discussing Mercury at greatest eastern elongation.)<\/p>\n<p>As Mercury is always close to the Sun, be very careful to not point binoculars or a telescope directly at the Sun. This can gravely damage your eyes, even resulting in permanent blindness.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_14_Geminid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 14: Geminid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Geminids are one of the largest meteor showers of the year with as many as 120 meteors per hour on average if conditions are ideal. Given that the Moon will be 2 days old and thus just 2 days after a new moon (a waxing crescent at\u00a08%), those conditions will be quite close to ideal.<\/p>\n<p>Some meteors can also be seen between December 4 and December 17. They will appear to radiate from the constellation of Gemini at an average speed of 35 km\/s.<\/p>\n<p>The Geminids are caused by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This asteroid of the Apollo group is an near-Earth object with an orbit that brings it very close to the Sun. This is why it was named after the Greek myth of <em>Pha\u00ebthon<\/em>, son of the sun god <em>Helios<\/em>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8845\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8845\" style=\"width: 815px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Gemini Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"815\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 815w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x565.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x754.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x236.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x724.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x141.jpg 150w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 815px) 100vw, 815px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8845 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8845\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Gemini Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"815\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 815w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x565.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x754.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x236.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x724.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Gemini-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x141.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 815px) 100vw, 815px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8845\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gemini Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_15_Orion_Nebula_at_its_highest_point_in_the_sky\"\/>December 15: Orion Nebula at its highest point in the sky<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula located south of Orion\u2019s Belt in the constellation of Orion. It is known as the middle \u201cstar\u201d in the \u201csword\u201d of Orion. The nebula will reach its highest point in the sky at around midnight local time. (See featured image at the top of the article.)<\/p>\n<p>With an apparent magnitude of 4.0, the Orion Nebula is difficult to see with the naked eye unless you\u2019re in a dark area. This is why I would recommend at least a pair of standard binoculars. The Moon won\u2019t be interfering much with observation because it will be a 3 days old waxing crescent at\u00a017%.<\/p>\n<p>The Orion Nebula is the closest region of massive star formation to Earth at about 1344 light-years away. The nebula is enormous at 24 light-years across and has a mass of about 2000 times that of our Sun.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8846\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8846\" style=\"width: 806px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Orion Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"806\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 806w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-483x600.jpg 483w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-645x800.jpg 645w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-201x250.jpg 201w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x953.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x186.jpg 150w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8846 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8846\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Orion Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"806\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 806w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-483x600.jpg 483w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-645x800.jpg 645w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-201x250.jpg 201w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x953.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Orion-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x186.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8846\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Orion Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_15_Comae_Berenicid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 15: Comae Berenicid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Comae Berenicids are a small meteor shower with a zenithal hourly rate of only 3 meteors during the peak. Fortunately, the Moon won\u2019t interfere too much with observation because it will be a 4 days old waxing crescent at\u00a022%.<\/p>\n<p>Some meteors may also be seen between December 12 and December 23 radiating from the constellation of Coma Berenices at the fast speed of 65 km\/s on average.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9022\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9022\" style=\"width: 814px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Coma Berenices Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9022 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9022\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Coma Berenices Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Coma-Berenices-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9022\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coma Berenices Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_17_Conjunction_of_the_Moon_and_Saturn\"\/>December\u00a017: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Moon and Saturn will reach conjunction by passing within 2\u00b028\u2032 from each other while sharing the same right ascension.<\/p>\n<p>Shortly after the conjunction, the Moon and Saturn will pass even closer to each other at 2\u00b015\u2032 during the appulse (close approach), but no longer sharing the same right ascension.<\/p>\n<p>The two bodies will meet in\u00a0the constellation of Aquarius with an apparent magnitude of -11.5 for the Moon and 0.7 for Saturn. The Moon will be a 5 days old waxing crescent at 34%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9069\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9069\" style=\"width: 874px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Aquarius Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"874\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 874w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x562.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x659.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x525.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x675.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 874px) 100vw, 874px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9069 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9069\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Aquarius Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"874\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 874w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x562.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x659.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x525.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/01\/Aquarius-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x675.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 874px) 100vw, 874px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9069\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aquarius Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_20_December_Leonis_Minorid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 20: December Leonis Minorid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The December Leonis Minorids are a small meteor shower with only an average of 5 meteors per hour during the peak if conditions are perfect. The Moon will interfere somewhat as it is 8 days old waxing gibbous at\u00a065%.<\/p>\n<p>Some meteors may also be seen between December 5 and February 4 radiating from the constellation of Leo Minor at the high speed of 64 km\/s on average.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8847\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8847\" style=\"width: 817px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Leo Minor Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"817\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 817w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x564.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x752.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x235.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x722.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x141.jpg 150w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8847 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8847\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Leo Minor Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"817\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 817w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x564.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x752.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x235.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x722.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Leo-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x141.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8847\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leo Minor Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_21_Asteroid_4_Vesta_at_opposition\"\/>December 21: Asteroid 4 Vesta at opposition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>Asteroid 4 Vesta will reach opposition, when it lies opposite to the Sun in the sky. It will reach the highest point in the sky around midnight local time, regardless of where you are in the world.<\/p>\n<p>During the opposition, Vesta will pass within 1.583 AU of Earth and reach a peak brightness of magnitude 6.4. Unfortunately even at the peak of brightness, this asteroid will be too faint to observe with the naked eye. You will need a pair of standard binoculars or a small telescope, which you should point to the constellation of Orion. (Constellation map already shown above when discussing the Orion Nebula.) The Moon will be 9 days old waxing gibbous at\u00a077%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10054\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10054\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Asteroid 4 Vesta\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-750x750.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-598x598.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-1140x1140.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-75x75.jpg 75w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10054 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10054\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta.jpg\" alt=\"Asteroid 4 Vesta\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-750x750.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-598x598.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-1140x1140.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-4-Vesta-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10054\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">True color image of Vesta taken by Dawn. Credit: NASA \/ JPL \/ MPS \/ DLR \/ IDA \/ Bj\u00f6rn J\u00f3nsson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The asteroid was discovered in 1807 by the German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers who named it after Vesta, the virgin goddess of home and hearth in Roman mythology.<\/p>\n<p>Vesta is the second-largest asteroid, both by mass and by volume, after the dwarf planet Ceres. It has a mean diameter of about 525 km and orbits the Sun at 2.36 AU (semi-major axis) which takes 3.63 years to complete. (Source: NASA JPL Small-Body Database Lookup for 4 Vesta)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_21_December_Solstice\"\/>December 21:\u00a0December Solstice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The December solstice will occur at 03:24 UTC. It will be the shortest day and beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere and the longest day and beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_22_Conjunction_of_the_Moon_and_Jupiter\"\/>December 22: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Moon and Jupiter will be at conjunction by sharing the same right ascension and passing within 2\u00b036\u2032 of each other.<\/p>\n<p>At around the same time the two bodies will also make a close approach (appulse) reaching 2\u00b022\u2032 from each other, but not sharing the same right ascension.<\/p>\n<p>The two celestial bodies will meet in the constellation Aries with the Moon at apparent magnitude of -12.5 and Jupiter at -2.7. The Moon will be 10 days old and waxing gibbous at\u00a083%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8951\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8951\" style=\"width: 814px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Aries Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x566.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x755.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x236.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8951 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8951\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Aries Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x566.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x755.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x236.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Aries-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8951\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aries Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_22_Asteroid_9_Metis_at_opposition\"\/>December 22: Asteroid 9 Metis at opposition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>Asteroid 9 Metis will reach opposition, when it lies opposite to the Sun in the sky. It will reach the highest point in the sky around midnight local time.<\/p>\n<p>On this occasion, Metis will pass within 1.119 AU of Earth and reach a peak brightness of magnitude 8.4. Unfortunately even at the peak, this asteroid will be too faint to observe with the naked eye. You will need at least a 4 inch telescope, which you should point to the constellation of Gemini. (The constellation map has already been shown above while discussing the Geminid meteor shower.) The Moon will be 10 days old and waxing gibbous at\u00a085%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10055\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10055\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Asteroid 9 Metis Lightcurve Inversion\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion.png 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-640x240.png 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-750x281.png 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-598x224.png 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-768x288.png 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion.png\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10055 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10055\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion.png\" alt=\"Asteroid 9 Metis Lightcurve Inversion\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion.png 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-640x240.png 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-750x281.png 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-598x224.png 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-9-Metis-Lightcurve-Inversion-768x288.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10055\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A three-dimensional model of 9 Metis that was computed using light curve inversion techniques by Josef \u010eurech and Vojt\u011bch Sidorin from the Astronomical Institute of the Charles University. License: CC BY 4.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Metis was discovered in 1848 by Irish astronomer Andrew Graham, who named it after <em>M\u0113tis<\/em>, one of the Oceanids and first wife of Zeus.<\/p>\n<p>It is one of the larger main-belt asteroids at about 190 km in mean diameter. It orbits the Sun at 2.387 AU (semi-major axis) which takes 3.687 years to complete. (Source: NASA JPL Small-Body Database Lookup for 9 Metis)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_22_Ursid_meteor_shower_peak\"\/>December 22: Ursid meteor shower peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Ursids will peak with a zenithal hourly rate of 10 meteors if conditions are optimal. Unfortunately that won\u2019t quite be the case as the Moon will offer some interference. It will be 11 days old and waxing gibbous at\u00a089%.<\/p>\n<p>Some meteors may also be spotted between December 17 and December 26. They will radiate from the constellation of Ursa Minor at the speed of 33 km\/s on average.<\/p>\n<p>The parent body of the Ursid meteor shower has been identified as comet 8P\/Tuttle (also known as Tuttle\u2019s Comet or Comet Tuttle). It is a periodic comet with a 13.6-year orbit. Interestingly in 2008, this comet has been found to be a contact binary thanks to radar observations by the Arecibo Observatory. A contact binary is composed of two bodies that have gravitated toward each other until touching, giving it a peanut-like shape.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9027\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9027\" style=\"width: 901px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ursa Minor Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"901\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 901w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x710.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x832.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-539x598.jpg 539w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x852.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 901px) 100vw, 901px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9027 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9027\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ursa Minor Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"901\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 901w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x710.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x832.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-539x598.jpg 539w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/12\/Ursa-Minor-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x852.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 901px) 100vw, 901px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9027\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ursa Minor Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_24_Close_approach_of_the_Moon_and_the_Pleiades\"\/>December 24: Close approach of the Moon and the Pleiades<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Moon and the Pleiades (also known as M45 or Messier 45) will make a close approach, passing within only 57.2 arcminutes of each other.<\/p>\n<p>Both objects will be in the constellation of Taurus with the Moon being at apparent magnitude -12.6; and the Pleiades at 1.3. The Moon will be 12 days old and waxing gibbous at\u00a095%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8843\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8843\" style=\"width: 814px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Taurus Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-740x698.jpg 740w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-638x602.jpg 638w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x566.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x755.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x236.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x142.jpg 150w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8843 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8843\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"814\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU.jpg 814w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-640x604.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-750x708.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-598x564.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x725.jpg 768w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-740x698.jpg 740w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-638x602.jpg 638w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-600x566.jpg 600w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-800x755.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-250x236.jpg 250w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Taurus-Constellation-Map-IAU-150x142.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8843\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taurus Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_25_Comet_62PTsuchinshan_at_perihelion\"\/>December 25: Comet 62P\/Tsuchinshan at perihelion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The comet 62P\/Tsuchinshan will reach perihelion on December 25, meaning it will reach the closest point in its orbit to the Sun at a distance of 1.27 AU. At that time it will be at 0.53 AU from Earth. Despite this, it will have an apparent magnitude of only 10.5, so you\u2019ll need a large telescope to observe this comet. If you have access to such a telescope, look in the constellation of Leo.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8955\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8955\" style=\"width: 813px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Leo Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"813\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 813w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-488x600.jpg 488w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-651x800.jpg 651w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-203x250.jpg 203w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x944.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8955 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8955\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Leo Constellation Map IAU\" width=\"813\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-scaled.jpg 813w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-488x600.jpg 488w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-651x800.jpg 651w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-203x250.jpg 203w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/11\/Leo-Constellation-Map-IAU-768x944.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8955\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leo Constellation Map. Credit: IAU and Sky &amp; Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott &amp; Rick Fienberg). License: CC BY 3.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_27_Asteroid_5_Astraea_at_opposition\"\/>December 27: Asteroid 5 Astraea at opposition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>Asteroid 5 Astraea will reach opposition, when it lies opposite to the Sun in the sky. It will reach the highest point in the sky around midnight local time.<\/p>\n<p>At that time, Astraea will pass within 1.216 AU of Earth and reach a peak brightness of magnitude 9.4. Unfortunately even at the peak brightness, this asteroid will be too faint to observe with the naked eye. You will need at least a 4 inch telescope or larger, which you should point to the constellation of Orion. (Constellation map already shown above when discussing the Orion Nebula.) Unfortunately the Moon will interfere with observation a bit as it will be only a day after full moon or 15 days old waning gibbous at\u00a097%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10059\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10059\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Asteroid 5 Astraea Lightcurve Inversion\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion.png 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-640x240.png 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-750x281.png 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-598x224.png 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-768x288.png 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion.png\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10059 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10059\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion.png\" alt=\"Asteroid 5 Astraea Lightcurve Inversion\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion.png 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-640x240.png 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-750x281.png 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-598x224.png 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Asteroid-5-Astraea-Lightcurve-Inversion-768x288.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10059\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A three-dimensional model of 5 Astraea that was computed using light curve inversion techniques by Josef \u010eurech and Vojt\u011bch Sidorin from the Astronomical Institute of the Charles University. License: CC BY 4.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The asteroid Astraea was discovered in 1845 by German astronomer Karl Ludwig Hencke, who named it after <em>Astraea<\/em>, a Greek goddess of justice.<\/p>\n<p>It is a large and bright asteroid located in the main asteroid belt with a mean diameter of about 107 km. It orbits the Sun at 2.577 AU (semi-major axis) which takes 4.137 years to complete. (Source: NASA JPL Small-Body Database Lookup for 5 Astraea)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December_30_Rosette_Nebula_at_its_highest_point_in_the_sky\"\/>December 30: Rosette Nebula\u00a0at its highest point in the sky<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>The Rosette Nebula (also known as Caldwell 49 or NGC 2237) is an emission nebula about 5200 light-years away. The nebula will reach its highest point in the sky at around midnight local time. Look in the constellation of Monoceros. (The constellation map has already been show above, while discussing the Monocerotid meteor shower.)<\/p>\n<p>With an apparent magnitude of 4.3, the Rosette Nebula is best observed with at least a pair of standard binoculars or a telescope for more detail. Unfortunately the Moon will be interfering with observation because it will be 18 days old waning gibbous at\u00a080%.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moon_Phases_in_December_2023\"\/>Moon Phases in December 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>As you know, the Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. So here are the Moon\u2019s phases for this month:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10061\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10061\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Moon Phase Calendar December 2023\" width=\"800\" height=\"661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-640x529.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-750x619.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-598x494.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-768x634.jpg 768w\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023.jpg\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10061 lazyload\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10061\" src=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023.jpg\" alt=\"Moon Phase Calendar December 2023\" width=\"800\" height=\"661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023.jpg 800w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-640x529.jpg 640w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-750x619.jpg 750w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-598x494.jpg 598w, https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Moon-Phase-Calendar-December-2023-768x634.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10061\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">December 2023 Moon phases calendar. Credit: Astronomy Club of Akron.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Positions_of_the_Planets_in_December_2023\"\/>Positions of the Planets in December 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Mercury:<\/strong> The closest planet to the Sun can be seen at dawn and dusk travelling across the constellation of Sagittarius. This planet, being the closest to the Sun, will appear to move quickly in the night sky and its position will change in the following weeks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Venus:<\/strong> The sister planet can be seen travelling across the constellation of Virgo. Just like Mercury, Venus can only be seen at dawn and dusk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mars:<\/strong> The red planet can be seen in the constellation of Scorpius.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jupiter:<\/strong>\u00a0The gas giant is visible in the constellation of Aries. Jupiter can easily be spotted with the naked eye, even in highly illuminated cities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturn:<\/strong>\u00a0The ringed giant can be seen with the naked eye in the constellation of Aquarius.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Uranus:<\/strong>\u00a0The ice giant can be seen in the constellation of Aries with the use of a telescope.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Neptune:<\/strong> The blue giant requires a telescope pointed in the constellation of Aquarius in order to be seen.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Positions_of_Dwarf_Planets_and_Large_Asteroids_in_December_2023\"\/>Positions of Dwarf Planets and Large Asteroids in December 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ceres:<\/strong>\u00a0The\u00a0asteroid belt\u2019s lone dwarf planet can be seen in the constellation of Libra with the help of a telescope.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vesta:<\/strong> This large asteroid can be seen in the constellation of Orion with a telescope.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pallas:<\/strong>\u00a0The asteroid can be observed with a telescope in the constellation of Virgo.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pluto:<\/strong>\u00a0This distant dwarf planet can be found in the constellation of Sagittarius with the help of a large telescope.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_astronomical_events_next_month_%E2%80%93_January_2024\"\/>Major astronomical events next month \u2013 January 2024<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>January 4 \u2013 Quadrantid meteor shower peak.<\/li>\n<li>January 19 \u2013 Asteroid 354 Eleonora at opposition.<\/li>\n<li>January 20 \u2013 \u03b3-Ursae Minorid meteor shower peak.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"\/>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>December 2023\u2019s celestial showcase is a stunning tapestry of meteor showers, planetary alignments, and cosmic phenomena. From the radiant Geminids to the majestic Orion Nebula, each event offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the universe. As the year draws to a close, these celestial displays leave an awe-inspiring mark, reminding us of the vastness and beauty beyond our skies.<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy these celestial wonders and don\u2019t forget to subscribe to our newsletter below to receive our stargazing calendar in your mailbox.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>See also:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"342c8a430808ee5770f45cb96cddd88b\" data-index=\"1\" style=\"float: none; margin:10px 0 10px 0; text-align:center;\">\n<h5 align=\"left\">Would you like to receive similar articles by email?<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/astroblog.cosmobc.com\/stargazing-calendar-december-2023\/?rand=773801\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Orion Nebula in a composite image of visible light and infrared taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2006. Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Robberto (Space Telescope Science Institute\/ESA) and&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":774715,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-774714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-astroblog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/774714","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=774714"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/774714\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/774715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=774714"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=774714"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=774714"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}