Astronomy Calendar: Top 10 Astronomical Events in December 2024

What the sky holds for the last month of the year? The celestial curtain rises on December 2024, and the cosmos prepares a grand finale that would make even the most jaded stargazer’s heart skip a beat. Forget the holiday hustle and bustle on Earth – the real party is happening in the night sky.

This month, the universe has decided to outdo itself, serving up planetary alignments, and stunning lunar views that range from the subtle to the spectacular. So, grab your warmest coat, your sense of wonder, and perhaps a thermos of something hot – it’s time to witness a show that’s been billions of years in the making, and it’s playing at a sky near you.

Astronomy Events in December: Is It A Good Month For Stargazing?

December offers a compelling case for exceptional stargazing, though not without challenges. The month’s extended darkness provides astronomers and sky lovers with prolonged observation windows, with nights stretching up to 16 hours in higher latitudes. 

Jupiter’s opposition creates a particularly spectacular viewing opportunity, appearing brightest and most visible throughout the entire night. The Geminid meteor shower, peaking mid-month, typically delivers up to 150 meteors per hour, making it one of the most reliable annual meteor displays. 

Winter’s cold temperatures and potential cloud cover can make outdoor stargazing challenging. Yet, December offers a rare blend of long nights, vibrant planetary alignments, and dazzling meteor showers, making it a standout month for skywatchers who are ready to embrace the cold. So, let’s explore the celestial wonders awaiting you this month!

1 December: New Moon

Best time: 06:21 GMT

New month – new moon. This lunar phase occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, with its unilluminated side facing us. While the New Moon itself isn’t visible, it creates an ideal backdrop for for observing faint stars, galaxies, and nebulae that are typically washed out by moonlight.

For optimal viewing, head to one of the UK’s renowned dark sky locations such as the Brecon Beacons in Wales or the North York Moors National Park. These areas, far from urban light pollution, will allow you to witness the true majesty of the winter constellations in all their glory. As you gaze upward, the Milky Way may reveal itself stretching across the sky, a sight often obscured during brighter lunar phases. 

7 December: Jupiter at Opposition

Best time: 21:00 GMT

This cosmic event places Earth directly between the Sun and Jupiter, presenting the gas giant at its brightest and largest for the year. Jupiter will dominate the night sky, rising as the Sun sets and setting as it rises, visible throughout the night. 

 Look to the eastern horizon at dusk, where Jupiter will emerge as a dazzling beacon, shining at a magnificent magnitude of -2.8. As night progresses, the planet will climb higher, reaching a peak altitude of about 60° above the southern horizon around midnight. This exceptionally high position in UK skies allows Jupiter to rise above the thick, turbulent lower atmosphere, providing sharper views with telescope. Even with the naked eye, Jupiter will outshine all stars, appearing as a brilliant point of light.

14-15 December: Geminid Meteor Shower Peak

Best time: 14 Dec, 02:00 GMT

Mark your calendar for that night – you can witness up to 150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

Look towards the constellation Gemini, which will be high in the southern sky around midnight. However, don’t focus solely on this area; scan the entire sky for the best chance of catching these bright, fast-moving meteors. While the nearly full moon may interfere with visibility, the Geminids are known for their brightness, so many should still be visible. For optimal viewing, find a spot where you can block out the moonlight, perhaps using a building or trees as a shield, and allow your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

15 December: Full Cold Moon

Best time: 09:02 GMT

The Full Cold Moon will appear largest and most dramatic as it rises above the horizon. It will be visible throughout the night, rising in the east as the sun sets and setting in the west at dawn, so find a spot with an unobstructed eastern view around sunset. While the moon’s brightness may overshadow fainter stars, it offers a perfect opportunity to observe lunar features with binoculars, a small telescope, or even phone. 

18 December: Moon Near Mars

Best time: 16:30 GMT

On this day, the Moon will make a close approach to Mars. This captivating event will begin in the early evening, with the pair rising in the east around 16:30 GMT.

Look towards the eastern horizon as darkness falls, where you’ll spot the waning gibbous Moon, about 3 days past full, in close proximity to the red planet Mars. The duo will climb higher in the sky throughout the evening, reaching their highest point in the south around midnight. While visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view, revealing Mars’s distinctive reddish hue against the Moon’s silvery glow. 

19 December: Leonis Minorid Meteor Shower

Best time: between midnight and dawn

It’s a lesser-known than Geminids but potentially rewarding celestial event. The shower is expected to peak in the early hours of December 19, with the best viewing time between midnight and dawn. Look towards the constellation Leo Minor, which will be visible in the eastern sky during the early morning hours. While this shower typically produces only a few meteors per hour, patient observers might be rewarded with bright fireballs. 

21 December: December Solstice

Best time: 09:21 GMT

On that day, the winter solstice arrives. It’s the shortest day and longest night of the year in the UK, officially kicking off winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical event occurs when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. In London, for example, daylight will last a mere 7 hours, 49 minutes, and 42 seconds – a stark contrast to the lengthy summer days. From this day forward, the days will gradually grow longer. 

While the solstice itself isn’t a visual spectacle, it offers a unique opportunity to observe the sun’s lowest arc across the sky. For the best experience, find an unobstructed view of the southern horizon. Locations like Stonehenge in Wiltshire or Newgrange in Ireland, ancient sites aligned with the solstice, provide a mystical backdrop for this astronomical event. 

22-23 December: Ursid Meteor Shower Peak

Best time: 22 Dec, 05:22 GMT

As the winter solstice passes, stargazers can look forward to the Ursid meteor shower, peaking on the night of 22-23 December 2024. The early hours of that morning is the prime viewing time. The Ursids typically produce 5-10 meteors per hour, but you might be rewarded with unexpected outbursts of activity. While the last quarter moon may interfere with visibility, you can improve your chances by positioning yourself to block out its light using trees or buildings. 

25 December: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation

Best time: 07:00 GMT

It marks Mercury’s maximum separation from the Sun in the morning sky, providing an excellent opportunity to spot the elusive planet. Look towards the southeastern horizon about an hour before sunrise, which occurs around 08:06 GMT in London. Mercury will be shining brightly at approximately magnitude -0.3, appearing as a prominent point of light low in the sky. While visible to the naked eye, binoculars can enhance the view, especially in areas with light pollution.

30 December: New Moon

Best time: 22:26 GMT

Yes, it’s going to be the second New Moon of the month. This rare occurrence, known as a Black Moon, bookends a full lunar cycle within a single calendar month (a great chance to start the New Year from scratch, isn’t it?).

Look towards the southeastern horizon about an hour before sunrise on 31 December, where you might catch a glimpse of a thin crescent moon as it begins its new cycle. This Black Moon offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the year’s astronomical events and anticipate the celestial wonders that await in the coming year. Don’t miss this peaceful moment of transition as the year ends under the stars.