Deep sky observers should check out Brian Cuthbertson’s Observing Targets for November and December.

The December nights contain some of the most recognizable features and events in the sky. Orion begins his domination of the ESE; his belt points to Sirius below, and to Aldeberan above. NE of Orion is Gemini, and the Geminid meteor shower is in great view from the 8th to the 17th. The Geminids are an above average shower, with rates nearing 100 meteors an hour, under best conditions. Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn also are visible in the month, though Saturn begins his slip, visible mostly ahead of sunrise.

But no matter, it’s all infinite, and all infinitely interesting. So get out and enjoy, just remember to bring a jacket this time, you might actually need it!

Solar System Events