Last Minute Astronomer - December 2023

<p>Some slight changes to Saturn and Jupiter in the sky, the start of a big change for Venus, and even more rocks fall from the sky this December here on the Last Minute Astronomer, bringing astronomy to normies and nerds, with little time to spare.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Let’s start by talking about the naked eye planets visible this month, the lunar phases, and then the meteor shower and other events, so you can plan ahead better than me.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p> </p> <p>13th/14th – Geminid Meteor Shower – A VERY good year for this shower, as there is only a thin crescent Moon which sets early.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> So get out there and take advantage of the possible 100 meteors per hour! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>When? Really, any time of the night is good, though the closer you are to dawn on the 14th, the better.</p> <p>Where do I look? The whole sky, but note Gemini is where the radiant is - where the meteors will appear to be coming from. Gemini will be in the East after sunset, South after midnight, West in the morning.</p> <p>But be well prepared…</p> <ul> <li>Commit yourself to staying out at least 20 minutes.</li> <li>Find a dark location and lie down in a reclining chair or hammock</li> <li>Check the weather to see if the skies will be clear<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></li> <li>Adapt your eyes to the dark by staying away from light sources or using a red light if you need to look at a star chart or not trip over something. <span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></li> <li>You never know when a nice meteor will burn up, so take a nice look at the sky in general, noting that the meteors will appear to go from the radiant and outward.</li> <li>Dress warmly! Layers!</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Just visit: <a href= "https://www.patreon.c