Scruton Sky at Night – December 2024

by Graham Dodds

On 4 December we’ll see Venus and a thin crescent Moon low in the twilight sky: look SW. On the 13th the Moon skims under the Pleiades (mentioned last month). The 14th & 15th bring the Geminid meteor shower, when dust from an asteroid named Phaethon hits our atmosphere; unfortunately, (supposing clear skies of course), the new Moon will limit our views. Phaethon, in Greek mythology, was the son of Helios, (the personification of the Sun). Helium (He), the second most abundant element found in our universe, derives its name from Helios. 21 December is the Winter Solstice, when the Sun is at its most southernmost, the Earth being tilted ‘away’ on its 23.45° axis; it marks the shortest day, longest night and the beginning of a change in daylight hours. Finally, look out for the elusive planet Mercury, low in the twilight on the 28th.

The Moon – The first new 🌑 appears on the 1st Dec. First quarter 🌓 is on the 8th, and a full moon 🌕 on the 15th.The last quarter Moon 🌗 occurs on the 22nd. We have a second new 🌑 on the 30th.