December comes loaded with several astronomical events. But, of course, three of the most striking are the last two meteor showers of the year and the solstice that will mark the arrival of winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the south.
As for the meteor showers, the first of them will be that of the Geminids. In the northern hemisphere, they are less famous than the Perseids, perhaps because of the cold that must be experienced to see them. However, the output is more than worth it, as it is a very intense shower and especially striking meteors.
The second shower of stars from these astronomical events is much fainter. Of course, as we always say, it is not necessary for there to be meteors streaking the sky, nor an eclipse, nor an opposition for it to be worth looking at the sky. Without a doubt, it is a great plan, whatever day is chosen to do it. But, just in case, write down these days in your diary.
Mars in opposition to start astronomical events
This month we will not have to wait long to have the first of the astronomical events. And it is that, already on December 8we can enjoy Mars in opposition. It will be its closest point to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated, so it will be visible throughout the night, brighter than at any other time of the year.
It’s a perfect occasion to see it with the naked eye and to photograph it. But, in addition, if we have a medium-sized telescope we will be able to enjoy some details of its surface that are much more difficult to see at another time.
In addition, that night we will premiere Full Moon, which on this occasion, based on Native American legends, is known as cold moon. The reason is obvious: it coincided with the time when the most intense cold became the protagonist of their nights.
The fascinating Geminids
Overnight from December 13 to 14 the maximum peak of the Geminids will take place. For many it is the best meteor shower of the year, even above the Perseids. Every hour you can see up to 120 intensely colored meteorscoming from the rubble of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. That happens during the peak peak. However, although in less quantity, the rain will be present from the 7th to the 17th of December.
It should be noted that the Moon will be in the waning phase and may hinder the observation of any of the meteors. But, even so, it sure gives us a nice show. For that it is one of the best astronomical events of the year.
The December Solstice
The December 21, at 21:40 UTC (22:40, Spanish peninsular time, 15:40 in Mexico), the December solstice will take place. Earth’s south pole will tilt toward the Sun, beginning summer in that hemisphere and winter in the north.
The last meteor shower of the year and these astronomical events
The astronomical events of 2022 end with a shower of stars: the ursids
It is much less intense than its partner of the month. In fact, she is quite weak, with only 5-10 meteors per hourcoming from tuttle kite. The good part is that, although it will be given from December 17 to 25its maximum point, between 21 and 22will take place with very little Moon, just one night before the new moon.
It is a wonderful way to put the finishing touch on these astronomical events, which shortly after will give way to those of a new year, in which we will begin a new cycle of appointments with the sky.