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Tonight
Visible planets and night sky guide for December
Visible planets and night sky guide. A crescent moon and Venus shine in the western sky after sunset. Today, see EarthSky's video preview of the December sky.
December 2, 2024
Earth
Sun
Sun news: GONG filling solar observatory gap
Sun news for December 2, 2024: With Solar Dynamics Observatory data unavailable until 2025, the GONG network is providing our view of the currently quiet sun.
Space
Spaceflight
NASA testing underwater robots to explore ocean worlds
NASA is testing prototypes for autonomous underwater robots that could one day explore our solar system's subsurface oceans.
December 1, 2024
Space
Do magnetic tornadoes drive dark ovals on Jupiter?
Scientists have analyzed dark ovals that appear near the poles on Jupiter. They believe magnetic tornadoes higher in the atmosphere could stir up the haze.
December 1, 2024
Astronomy Essentials
2024 Geminid meteor shower: All you need to know
The 2024 Geminid meteor shower peaks overnight December 13-14 in a moonlit sky. You may see up to 120 meteors per hour under a dark sky.
December 1, 2024
Human World
December birthstone: turquoise, zircon or tanzanite
The December birthstone is 1 of 3 gemstones, the exquisite blue-green turquoise, dazzling zircon, or the magnificent blue-violet tanzanite. Your choice!
December 1, 2024
Astronomy Essentials
Venus after sunset: Shining brightly in December
Look for Venus after sunset! It's high enough in December's sky for all to see. It'll be farthest from the sunset in early January, 2025. Look west for a dazzling point!
December 1, 2024
Astronomy Essentials
Mars in December 2024: It’s time to start watching!
Mars is getting bright! And it has shifted into the evening sky. By the end of 2024, it'll become much more noticeable. It'll reach opposition in January 2025.
November 30, 2024
Spaceflight
Observers’ report: SpaceX Starship and electrophonic sounds
Observers in Puerto Rico reported hearing low-frequency sounds as the SpaceX Starship rocket flew past on November 19, 2024. Were they electrophonic sounds?
November 30, 2024
Astronomy Essentials
Jupiter is biggest and brightest for 2024 now
Giant Jupiter is closest to Earth for 2024 on December 6. Then Earth will fly between the sun and Jupiter - bringing Jupiter to opposition - on December 7.
November 30, 2024
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