5 Astronomical Events to See with Senior Stargazers This Month
Many people learned about the night skies and galaxies from their parents. Even well into adulthood, many children still enjoy perching on their roof or back deck to observe the stars and spend a quiet evening with their senior parents. After all, no matter what time of year, there is always a show and a lively sight in the sky.
Here's our guide to the events happening this month so seniors won't accidentally miss the phenomenal views in space. Time to get out the refractor telescope and spend an evening stargazing in December with a senior loved one!
1. See Five Planets During December
During December in the northern hemisphere, there are five planets visible in the night sky. The ones that seniors can see with their naked eye or telescope are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus. The unique part of this month is that Venus and Mercury make an appearance as their elliptical path continues. During previous months, Venus and Mercury were difficult to view, but they are particularly visible at the end of the month. The only thing to note is to look for them shortly after sunset, specifically Mercury.
2. Catch a Fleeting Glimpse of Saturn
By late December, Saturn rises and sets very early in the evening. Many seniors who are new astronomical enthusiasts love catching a glimpse of Saturn with a high-powered telescope. The key to viewing Saturn in December is to catch it early in the evening with a telescope in order to see the rings, which are not visible to the naked eye.
3. See the New Moon
On December 23rd, the new moon is another important sight to see with a telescope. Since the moon is facing away from the sun, it looks amazing through a telescope lens. This is the time to see what the dark side of the moon looks like with the help of a trusty telescope.
4. Watch for the Trifecta of the Moon, Mercury, and Venus
Around December 24th and 25th, the moon begins to wax into a thin crescent. Mercury and Venus are also visible after the sun goes down and in the early evening. Many seniors enjoy observing this gathering of planets, which only happens around this time of year. Venus is closest to earth, while Mercury will appear north of it. Venus will be the brightest of the three. Mercury will be between the moon and Venus.
5. Enjoy a Bright Mars
In early December, Mars reaches its optimal radiance and makes a brilliant appearance in the night sky. Mars is the closest in distance to Earth at the start of December at this part of the orbital paths of both planets. Mars is the brightest and highest in the sky at around midnight for most of the United States, with some potential exceptions along the coastline. However, Mars is generally visible throughout the entire evening. It's also so bright because the sun is shining on it directly based on its orientation in the sky. Don't miss Mars and Jupiter during December; they are easy to view since they are brighter than the stars.
Senior Helpers Westchester
Senior Helpers Westchester is happy to provide in-home care for seniors, which includes companionship for fun activities such as stargazing with senior loved ones. Contact us for information about our services in Bronxville, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Westchester County, Yonkers, and more.