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Throughout December, stargazers are treated to a variety of celestial events that promise to captivate the night sky. The month has already begun with spectacular sights including a third straight supermoon, a rare double lunar halo, and vivid displays of the Northern Lights. These stunning phenomena are subject to clear skies, so those interested should consult local weather forecasts for optimal viewing conditions.
One of the highlights this December is the occurrence of three distinct meteor showers. Among them, the Geminid meteor shower, active between December 4th and 20th, is particularly impressive, reaching its peak on the 14th. With the Moon in its waning crescent phase, light interference is minimal, allowing observers to witness up to 120 meteors per hour. These Geminids are notable for their brilliant, multi-colored streaks caused by elements such as sodium and calcium in the debris. Having been first recorded in 1862, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich notes the shower’s intensity is increasing over time.
Following the Geminids, the Ursid meteor shower will be visible from December 17th to 26th, peaking between the 22nd and 23rd. The meteors from this shower appear to radiate from Ursa Minor and typically reach around 10 meteors per hour. For those who miss these two showers, the Quadrantids will begin at the end of the month on December 28th and are known for their strength and consistency, reaching their peak in early January 2026.
In addition to meteor showers, December features a notable planetary conjunction on the 7th of the month, where the Moon and Jupiter will appear in close proximity just above the north-eastern horizon shortly after moonrise. Although they seem near each other, the two bodies are actually separated by millions of miles. Another fascinating object this month is the interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS, which will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19th. This ancient comet, over seven billion years old and originating from beyond our solar system, has been observed to change color and offers insights into planetary formation outside our cosmic neighborhood. While not visible to the naked eye, amateur telescopes should enable observers to view it.
December also includes the winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. This event, taking place precisely at 15:03 GMT on December 21st, signals the start of astronomical winter. The solstice happens due to Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt, which influences the angle of sunlight reaching the planet’s surface.
Finally, an International Space Station flyby is expected over the UK at 05:56 GMT on December 25th, lasting about four minutes. Despite the darkness, the station will reflect sunlight and appear as a bright, fast-moving star, the third brightest object in the night sky after the Moon and Venus. Looking ahead, January will bring a fourth consecutive supermoon—the Wolf Moon—the last of its kind until November 2026
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