As 2024 comes to a close, the skies are putting on a show. December and January bring several exciting celestial events you can enjoy with your own eyes. So, grab a warm jacket, step outside, and witness these six fascinating moments in the cosmos.
1. Celebrate the Shortest Day of the Year: Winter Solstice
When? December 21
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. On December 21, Earth tilts the furthest away from the sun, giving us only about 10 hours of daylight.
This tilt of 23 degrees, caused billions of years ago by a collision with a small planet called Theia, is what creates the changing seasons. Without it, we wouldn’t have summer or winter!
In most places, the sun will rise around 7:21 a.m. and set by 4:54 p.m., so enjoy this unique day that celebrates Earth’s connection with the sun.
2. Spot the Brightest Jupiter: Opposition Afterglow
When? Throughout December
Jupiter reached opposition (when Earth is directly between the sun and Jupiter) on December 7. This means the giant planet is at its brightest and easiest to spot.
You can still catch Jupiter shining brightly in the southeast throughout December. The best time to see it is just after midnight when it’s highest in the sky.
3. Watch Shooting Stars: Geminid Meteor Shower
When? December 14
One of the best meteor showers of the year, the Geminids, peaks on December 14. Known for their bright and colorful meteors, this event is a must-see if skies are clear.
Although the nearly full moon might dim some of the fainter meteors, you could still catch a great light show by heading out in the early morning hours. Remember to bundle up to stay warm!
4. See Mars Shine Bright: Mars at Opposition
When? January 16
On January 16, Mars will be at opposition, meaning Earth will pass directly between the sun and the red planet. This rare event happens every two years, making Mars appear as a bright, reddish-orange star in the eastern sky.
Look for Mars after sunset, and you’ll see it shining brightly, reaching its highest point around midnight.
5. Notice a Bigger Sun: Earth at Perihelion
When? January 4
On January 4, 2025, Earth will reach perihelion, the point in its orbit closest to the sun. Although the difference might not be obvious, the sun will appear slightly larger than usual.
At perihelion, Earth receives about 7% more solar energy than when it’s at its farthest point (aphelion). This event happens early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m. PST.
6. The Parker Solar Probe’s Historic Journey
When? December 24
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is on a groundbreaking mission to study the sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. Launched in 2018, the probe has completed multiple gravity-assist flybys around Venus.
On December 24, the Parker Solar Probe will make history as it gets closer to the sun than any object ever before. Traveling at an incredible speed of 430,000 mph, it will also claim the title of the fastest man-made vehicle.
Final Thoughts
This winter, take some time to marvel at the wonders of space. From shooting stars to shining planets and a historic spacecraft journey, the universe is putting on a spectacular show. Don’t miss your chance to witness these incredible events!
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