December in Sechelt: Stellar Showdowns and Celestial Wonders Await!

December in Sechelt is not just another month—it’s a remarkable time for stargazing! For avid readers and astronomy enthusiasts, the night sky this month offers thrilling sights that are reminiscent of last year, thanks to our celestial neighbors. Mark your calendars because on December 7, Jupiter will be at opposition to the sun, shining brightly in the eastern sky. This year, Jupiter is positioned slightly farther east than last, making it a must-see.

But that’s not all—this December brings an exciting new player to the cosmic stage: Mars! It made a close approach to Jupiter on August 14, 2023, passing just about a third of a degree away, an event that barely surpassed the width of the moon. As December unfolds, observers will see Mars at its best, reaching its first stationary point and starting its retrograde motion, which means it will appear to move west against the stars until it reaches opposition on January 15. However, this Mars opposition is somewhat subdued, as the Red Planet will be closest to its aphelion—meaning farthest from the sun—at just -1.4 magnitude.

For those who enjoy a little cosmic adventure, grab your binoculars or even a small telescope—Jupiter’s four impressive Galilean moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—are easily visible. Alternatively, download Stellarium, an incredible free software that lets you visualize these celestial wonders and track their movements based on your location!

And let’s not forget the Geminid meteor shower, which peaks on December 13 and 14. Although the nearly full moon might outshine some meteors, this is still one of the most prolific showers with a Zenithal Hourly Rate expected to reach around 120! The radiant point is located near Castor in the constellation Gemini, and you can spot it high above the horizon. So, find a cozy spot, lay back, and prepare to be dazzled!

One fascinating aspect of the Geminids is their origins; they come not from a comet but rather from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This unique body follows an elliptical orbit, coming dangerously close to the sun, which may account for the dust trails that result in the spectacular meteors we see each December.

Lastly, keep an eye on the International Space Station (ISS) as it wraps up its evening passes on December 5 before transitioning to morning sightings starting December 13. This is a fantastic opportunity to spot the ISS streaking across the early dawn sky—a perfect capstone to an already exciting month!

So, dear stargazers, bundle up and get ready to look up—December in Sechelt promises to be a celestial delight that you won't want to miss!