Geminid meteor shower peaks in moonlight tonight!

The 2024 Geminid meteor shower peaks tonight in a moonlit sky. So you'll see fewer meteors than usual. Try to appreciate each one for its brightness, color and sizzle!

Meteors in moonlight: 6 tips for the Geminids

Meteors in moonlight. It's not optimal, but it happens! Here's how to minimize the moon and optimize the Geminid meteor shower in 2024.

Mysterious 3200 Phaethon: Parent to the Geminids

3200 Phaethon is the weird comet-like asteroid that spawns the Geminid meteor shower. New research reveals more answers ... and questions.

Thinking of buying a telescope? Read these tips 1st

Are you thinking of buying a telescope? Here's how to know if you're ready, with tips on what 1st-time buyers should look for.

Earth flies between Jupiter and the sun today

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.

Retrograde motion for Mars starts today

The red planet Mars will start its retrograde motion on December 7, 2024. It'll pause briefly in front of the stars, and then begin moving westward.

Why is Jupiter closest to Earth 1 day before opposition?

Jupiter's closest point to the Earth in 2024, is on December 6. The distance between the sun and Jupiter will be 380 million miles, or 611 million km.

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!

Meteor shower guide 2024: The Geminids best December 13-14

The Geminids will be best overnight on December 12-13. Your 2024 meteor shower guide here. Under dark skies you might catch about 10 per hour.

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.