Eyes on the Sky Update
Monday, Dec. 11 to Sunday, Dec. 17
Monday, Dec. 11 – By 5 p.m., start scanning just above the southwestern horizon with binoculars to see the star-like appearance of Mercury. If you are using 7 x 50 binoculars, place the horizon near the bottom of the binocular field-of-view and Mercury will appear near the top of the binocular view.
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – New Moon happens at 6:32 p.m. EST and the next cycle of lunar phases, lunation #1249, begins. In the new phase, the Moon moves across the sky very close to the sun.
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Peak of the Geminid Meteor Shower, one of the best meteor showers of the year. These meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Gemini, hence its name. Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminid radiant is up in the east by 9 p.m. so you can start watching early. The moon sets during evening twilight this year so there will be no moonlight to interfere with meteor viewing. A clear, dark sky, with an unobstructed horizon is best for viewing any meteor shower. Dress warmly and be patient.
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Scan just above the southwestern horizon again with binoculars for the very thin waxing lunar crescent to the left of Mercury. This slim crescent will appear about two binocular fields to the east of the innermost planet.
Friday, Dec. 15 – The Great Hunter of the Sky, Orion, discerned by the three stars in a row making his stellar belt, has completely risen over the eastern horizon by 7 p.m. To the left of Orion, almost to the northeast, are the two bright stars that indicate the Twins of Gemini.
Saturday, Dec. 16 – At 8 p.m., Alkaid, the star at the end of the Big Dipper’s handle is barely above the north point. The remainder of the dipper – its handle and bowl – appears to be cantilevered about this star.
Sunday, Dec. 17 – Look to the south as the sky darkens to find the waxing crescent moon below Saturn. By 9:45 p.m., these two celestial objects are setting in the west-southwest.
Editor’s Note: Richard Monda, assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Department, publishes updates to his HVCC Eyes on the Sky, a YouTube video series, each week.