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December 2023 is anticipated to be one of the most captivating months for amateur astronomers and stargazers alike. Shooting stars herald the coming of the Winter Solstice and the year closes with a Cold Moon.

Meteor showers and rare occultations will grace the night sky this month.

In the coming week, a celestial event of rare proportions will unfold, captivating the attention of skywatchers worldwide. The red supergiant star Betelgeuse, a prominent feature in the Orion constellation, will experience a momentary eclipse on Monday, December 11. 

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Betelgeuse Occultation: A Celestial Blink

The phenomenon will be orchestrated by the asteroid 319 Leona, creating a 12-second blink, as it passes in front of Betelgeuse. This event presents a unique opportunity for astronomers to map the surface of the giant star, potentially unraveling the mysteries behind its recent peculiar behavior.

Occultations by asteroids are a rarity for such bright stars. The visual spectacle will be confined to a narrow path extending from Asia to southern Europe, Florida, and eastern Mexico. Skywatchers within this trajectory can witness the event without the aid of binoculars or telescopes.

For those outside the path, The Virtual Telescope Project in Italy will host a livestream of the occultation. They are offering a virtual front-row seat to this cosmic ballet. 

The livestream is scheduled to commence at 8:00 p.m. EST on Dec. 11.

Geminid Meteor Shower: A Celestial Symphony

As the mid-month approaches, the Geminid meteor shower takes center stage. This is a great time to see shooting stars.

 Running from Dec. 13 to 15, the peak of the meteor shower on the night of the 14th promises up to 120 meteors per hour, though the actual count may vary. 

This mesmerizing show is a result of debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, discovered in 1982, with meteors seemingly radiating from the Gemini constellation.

The meteor shower's visibility will be enhanced by a very new moon, ensuring optimal viewing conditions.

 With the meteor storm expected to peak around sunset on the 14th, skywatchers have the opportunity to witness the celestial spectacle on both Dec. 13 and the night of the 14th.

For this event you may want to use the Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map which shows the meteors' position in the night sky above your location. You just have to tell it where you are, and it tells you where to look for the shooting stars.       Interactive Geminids Meteor Shower 2023

Winter Solstice and the Cold Moon: A Celestial Double Feature

For Northern Hemisphere residents, December 21 marks the winter solstice, bringing with it the longest night of the year — a full 15 hours and 36 minutes, with the dark hours stretching to 11 hours and 50 minutes. 

Following these celestial sights, the Cold Moon will appear. 

December 26 brings a Full Moon, known to early Native American tribes as the “Cold Moon”. This full moon signifies the onset of winter chill, also earning titles such as the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule in different traditions.

As December unfolds its celestial wonders, stargazers and astronomers alike have ample reasons to brave the cold and embrace the beauty of the night sky. 

The month promises a celestial extravaganza that captivates and inspires.

So, whether you grab your telescope and set it up on your porch or livestream the event on your laptop...Enjoy!  Embrace the magic of the Cold Moon and unlock the secrets of the December night sky.