Explore

1Weather 1Weather
Rare Chance To Spot Mercury Shining In The Dawn Light

Rare Chance To Spot Mercury Shining In The Dawn Light

Mercury is famously difficult to spot, but early December offers an ideal viewing window for Northern Hemisphere skywatchers. The planet rises earlier and brightens rapidly, becoming visible low in the east-southeast dawn sky about 40–80 minutes before sunrise. Around Dec. 7, Mercury reaches a particularly favorable elongation, making this its best morning appearance of 2025. Its increasing illumination and quick orbital motion help visibility, though it will fade again near Christmas. Clear horizons and early wake-ups give viewers their best chance.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Saturn's Moons Dione and Tethys: A Celestial Dance on December 9

Saturn's Moons Dione and Tethys: A Celestial Dance on December 9

On December 9, 2025, Saturn's moons Dione and Tethys will engage in a fascinating celestial event, appearing to trade places in the night sky. This phenomenon is due to their relative orbital motions, with Dione moving faster and catching up to Tethys. Between 10 and 11 P.M. EST, Dione will appear to skim just north of Tethys, creating the illusion of merging before pulling away. This event offers a unique opportunity for observers to witness the dynamic interactions of Saturn's moons. Additionally, the Moon will pass close to the star Regulus, resulting in an occultation visible in Greenland and northern Canada.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Jupiter's Opposition in January 2026: A Bright 'Christmas Star' for Skywatchers

Jupiter's Opposition in January 2026: A Bright 'Christmas Star' for Skywatchers

In December 2025, Jupiter is prominently visible in the night sky, rising about two hours after sunset and dominating the eastern sky. This visibility is due to its upcoming opposition on January 10, 2026, when Earth will be positioned directly between Jupiter and the sun. At this time, Jupiter will be at its closest and brightest to Earth, making it a significant celestial event. Historically, some have speculated that such bright appearances of Jupiter could have been interpreted as the 'Star of Bethlehem.' However, the regularity of Jupiter's opposition, occurring every 13 months, makes it unlikely to be the singular event described in biblical texts. The planet's brightness will increase from a magnitude of -2.4 at the start of December to -2.5 by the end of the month, offering a spectacular view for skywatchers.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA Monitors Plane-Sized Asteroid Approaching Earth, Ensures Safety

NASA Monitors Plane-Sized Asteroid Approaching Earth, Ensures Safety

NASA is closely monitoring an asteroid named '2025 XM' as it approaches Earth, expected to pass within 295,000 miles today. The asteroid, traveling at a speed of 9,753 miles per hour, has an estimated diameter of 84 feet, comparable to the size of a commercial airplane. Despite its proximity, 2025 XM does not meet NASA's criteria for a potentially hazardous object, which requires a diameter of over 150 meters and a closer approach. This asteroid is one of several passing near Earth this week, including '2019 XN3' and '1999 SF10', which will pass at greater distances.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NASA Highlights Geminid Meteor Shower's Peak Viewing Conditions

NASA Highlights Geminid Meteor Shower's Peak Viewing Conditions

The Geminid meteor shower, known for its bright and reliable display, is set to peak overnight from December 13 into the morning of December 14. Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids are formed from debris of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. According to NASA, the particles from this asteroid are denser than typical comet debris, resulting in a more vivid meteor display. The best viewing times are between midnight and 2 a.m., before the crescent moon rises, which could otherwise interfere with visibility. NASA advises finding a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, but they can be seen across the entire night sky.
1Weather 1Weather
December Nights Feature Saturn Above The Circlet Of Pisces

December Nights Feature Saturn Above The Circlet Of Pisces

Saturn remains a striking December sight, even as its peak has passed. On the night of Dec. 10, skywatchers can spot the planet glowing beneath the Great Square of Pegasus in the southwestern sky after sunset. Below Saturn sits the Circlet of Pisces, a small ring of stars forming part of the Western Fish. While binoculars or a telescope will reveal more detail, the view is easy to enjoy with the naked eye, offering a simple, rewarding night-sky moment.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate December Skies with Vibrant Displays

Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate December Skies with Vibrant Displays

The annual Geminid meteor shower, known for its vibrant and colorful displays, is set to peak on the night of December 13 into the early morning of December 14. This meteor shower, which originates from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, is expected to produce between 50 to 120 meteors per hour in optimal viewing conditions. The Geminids are unique among meteor showers as they are composed of rocky particles rather than ice, resulting in bright streaks of light as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere. This year's viewing conditions are expected to be particularly favorable due to minimal moonlight interference.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate Skies with Celestial Display

Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate Skies with Celestial Display

The Geminid meteor shower is set to peak this weekend, offering a spectacular display of celestial fireworks. According to the American Meteor Society, the best viewing will occur overnight from Saturday into Sunday. The shower, described by Space.com as a 'pre-Christmas display of celestial fireworks,' will be visible starting at dusk, with activity intensifying around 10 p.m. At this time, approximately 30 meteors per hour can be seen, with the potential to view 120 to 150 meteors per hour around midnight when the radiant is nearly overhead. Light pollution and obstructions like buildings may affect visibility, but those in areas with clear, dark skies will have the best experience.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Perseids Meteor Shower to Peak in August 2026, Offering Spectacular Celestial Display

Perseids Meteor Shower to Peak in August 2026, Offering Spectacular Celestial Display

The Perseids meteor shower is set to peak on August 12, 2026, providing a stunning celestial event for stargazers. This annual meteor shower is renowned for its high rate of meteors, with expectations of around 120 meteors per hour at its peak. The Perseids are visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres, making it a widely accessible event for observers around the world. The shower is caused by Earth passing through the debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in bright streaks of light as the particles burn up in the atmosphere. This event is part of a series of notable astronomical occurrences in 2026, including other meteor showers and eclipses.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Brightens December Skies with New Discoveries

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Brightens December Skies with New Discoveries

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, formally designated C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), is making a significant appearance in December 2025. Discovered on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System telescope in Chile, this comet is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor to our Solar System. It is characterized by a hyperbolic orbit, indicating it is not gravitationally bound to the Sun and is merely passing through. Recent observations have revealed high levels of methanol and hydrogen cyanide, molecules associated with the origins and destruction of life. Despite speculative claims of alien origins, NASA and experts assert that 3I/ATLAS is a natural comet. The comet is currently moving away from the Sun and will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, at a safe distance of 1.8 astronomical units.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Jupiter's December 2025 Appearance Sparks 'Star of Bethlehem' Debate

Jupiter's December 2025 Appearance Sparks 'Star of Bethlehem' Debate

In December 2025, Jupiter is prominently visible in the night sky, leading to renewed discussions about the 'Star of Bethlehem.' This celestial event occurs as Jupiter approaches opposition on January 10, 2026, when Earth will be positioned between Jupiter and the sun, making the planet appear at its closest and brightest. Historically, some have speculated that the 'Star of Bethlehem' could have been a planetary conjunction involving Jupiter. While no major conjunctions or unusual celestial events are occurring this December, Jupiter's brightness and timing have led some to consider it a modern 'Christmas Star.'
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate Night Sky with Bright Display

Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate Night Sky with Bright Display

The Geminid meteor shower, one of the brightest and most reliable meteor showers of the year, is set to peak overnight from December 13th to 14th. Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids come from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. The shower is expected to be visible across the night sky, with the best viewing times between midnight and 2 a.m. before the crescent moon rises. NASA recommends finding a dark, open location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing.