Greetings to the Society,
Venus in the Teapot of Sagittarius
As we approach the end of the year, there’s a celestial treat worth observing: Venus is shining brightly in the “Teapot” of Sagittarius. While the Teapot isn’t an official constellation, this distinctive asterism of bright stars within Sagittarius is hard to miss once pointed out. The Teapot also points toward the galactic center of the Milky Way, an area rich with stars and dust visible from dark sky locations.
Venus is currently low on the horizon for those of us farther north, but as November progresses into December, it will rise higher in the evening sky. On December 4th and 5th, a crescent Moon will sweep past Venus, making it easy to locate. Later in the month, Venus moves closer to Saturn, setting the stage for a stunning conjunction in January.
Jupiter at Opposition – December 7th
Mark your calendars for December 7th as Jupiter reaches opposition. This alignment—where the Sun, Earth, and Jupiter form a straight line—makes Jupiter fully illuminated and at its brightest for the year. This dazzling planet dominates the eastern sky on dark winter evenings, often so bright it can resemble artificial lights on the horizon.
Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate on the 7th, Jupiter will remain spectacularly bright for the week surrounding opposition. By December 13th, a near-full Moon will guide your eye to Jupiter, nestled inside the Winter Hexagon of bright stars around Orion. For a bonus, look for the nearby Pleiades star cluster, a binocular favorite, which resembles a “mini Big Dipper.”
The Geminids Meteor Shower – Wash Out
The Geminids meteor shower, often regarded as the best meteor shower of the year, peaks on the night of December 13th. This shower typically produces 100–150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Unfortunately, this year’s peak coincides with a near-full Moon, which will wash out all but the brightest meteors.
For your best chance at spotting Geminids, consider heading out on the nights leading up to the peak, when the Moon is less overwhelming. After midnight, when Gemini is higher in the sky, you’ll have a better view. Bundle up, find a comfortable spot to lie flat, and gaze upward for the best experience. While the Geminids won’t be at their full glory this year, any clear night presents an opportunity for celestial wonder.
Prepare for Winter Skies
December brings not only these astronomical highlights but also colder weather as we approach the winter solstice on December 21st. Remember to dress warmly for nighttime observations and savor the beauty of the season’s skies. Whether you’re admiring the planets, hunting meteors, or simply enjoying the winter constellations, this is a great time to share the wonders of the universe with family and friends.
For a warmer way to enjoy astronomy, we have an exciting talk scheduled at our upcoming meeting:
- December 6: The Future of Mars Helicopters by Shannah Withrow
And we are planing are winter holiday gathering at Crystal Springs United Methodist Church. Targeting January 18th.
We hope to see you at these events!
Looking Forward to Clear Skies
As we move into winter, we’re hopeful for clear skies to enhance the many astronomical events ahead. Stay tuned for next month’s Event Horizon as we delve into the Venus-Saturn conjunction and other January highlights!
Here’s to a season full of celestial wonders and clear skies for happy viewing!
Michael Cooke
President, San Mateo County Astronomical Society