<\/p>\n
Monday, Dec. 11<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n Tuesday, Dec. 12<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n Wednesday, Dec. 13<\/strong> \u2013 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.\u00a0 Dress warmly and be patient.<\/p>\n Thursday, Dec. 14<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n Friday, Dec. 15 \u2013 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.\u00a0 To the left of Orion, almost to the northeast, are the two bright stars that indicate the Twins of Gemini.<\/p>\n Saturday, Dec. 16 \u2013 At 8 p.m., Alkaid, the star at the end of the Big Dipper\u2019s handle is barely above the north point. The remainder of the dipper \u2013 its handle and bowl \u2013 appears to be cantilevered about this star.<\/p>\n Sunday, Dec. 17 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
\n