Tech Desk 
Dec 02, 2024
December is a promising month filled with celestial events, offering seasonal splendours and providing a visual treat for stargazers. These breathtaking occurrences include exceptional meteor showers, planetary alignments, and more.
Gadinsider has rounded up a list of all the upcoming celestial events of December 2024.
Phoenicids meteor shower peaks
On December 2, the outstanding Phoenicids meteor shower is set to peak, offering a breathtaking opportunity for all Southern Hemisphere observers to witness stunning displays of shooting stars. This meteor shower, active from November 28 to December 9, will feature a dazzling display of meteors streaming outward from the constellation Phoenix.
These meteors will gradually become easier to spot against the moonless, dark sky, creating stunning viewing conditions for avid sky gazers.
Close pass of Moon and Venus
On December 4, the waxing crescent Moon is set to approach Venus, producing a stunning conjunction visible in the early evening. Skygazers in New York City will witness the Moon passing below and to the left of Venus at 5:41 pm eastern time (ET).
Visible planets in December
During the first days of December, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will all be visible to the naked eye. Venus will dominate the western sky after sunset, while Saturn will shine in the southern skies. Jupiter will be visible in the east at dusk, and Mars will follow in the evening.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Mars and Jupiter will appear closer to the horizon due to the austral summer.
Winter and summer constellations
Northern Hemisphere skygazers will witness spectacular views as the winter constellations return, including Taurus, Orion, and Gemini. By 10 pm, the Winter Hexagon—an arrangement of some of the brightest stars—can also be seen.
Meanwhile, summer constellations like Orion, Sirius, and Canopus will illuminate the celestial expanse in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a dazzling sight against the backdrop of the night sky.
