Orlando, Florida – Weather permitting, night sky events will be a huge success in 2023.
December 3: Best day for Mercury viewing
Mercury will be highest above the horizon in the evening sky, making it the best time to observe it. Mercury is a difficult planet to observe because it is close to the sun.
Look for Mercury low in the western sky just after sunset.
December 12: Eclipse of Betelgeuse
You’ll have to travel a bit to buy this, but it’s really cool!
Only a select few people in the United States can see this rare event. On December 12, an asteroid (319 Leona) will move in front of him, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Asteroid Leona blocks the light of the iconic orange star Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse forms the shoulder of the famous Orion constellation.
It is only seen from the Florida Keys and southernmost Florida in the United States, but it can also be found in parts of southern Europe.
For about 10 seconds just before 8:30 a.m., the asteroid will cover Betelgeuse, causing the star to appear to disappear.
December 13th and 14th: Peak of the Geminid meteor shower
The king of meteor showers returns every year in mid-December. In a completely dark sky, the Geminid meteor shower can produce more than 100 meteors per hour. In addition to quantity, the Geminid meteor shower also has special properties. Meteor showers are usually produced by the remains of comets.
These meteors are produced by debris left behind from asteroids and contain a variety of elements. Just as fireworks get their colors, when they burn out in the atmosphere they produce colors based on the elements.
The closeness to the new moon means the moonlight won’t darken the fainter meteors.
The best time to see it is after midnight, when the Gemini constellation is high in the sky, giving the appearance of falling meteors.
Meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. It’s best to stay away from city lights and wait 15 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. be patient! Meteor showers are famous for having lulls and jets during the show.
December 27th: Full moon
The full “cold moon” will reach peak illumination just after 7 p.m.
If you take photos of these events, please submit them to: pin!
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