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Posts by
Editors of EarthSky
Latest sunrises late December and early January
For the northern half of Earth, the light's returning after the solstice. The latest sunrises of the year come in late December and early January.
December 27, 2024
Schedar shines brightly at the Queen’s heart
Schedar is the brightest star in the distinctive W-shaped northern constellation Cassiopeia and is visible most of the year from northern latitudes.
December 26, 2024
Mercury was farthest from the sunrise December 25
Mercury reached its greatest elongation - greatest distance from the sunrise - on December 25, 2024. Look east at dawn. It'll disappear from the morning sky in January.
December 24, 2024
Personal solstices from the EarthSky community
Some people like to mark the solstice with a special sunset view, or marking of shadows, or party! Personal solstices from the EarthSky community, here.
December 20, 2024
Solstices and equinoxes in a video from space
See how sunlight falls on Earth's surface during the solstices and equinoxes, and get a better understanding of why Earth's tilt causes the seasons.
December 20, 2024
Year’s shortest season to start at December solstice
The year's shortest season - between the December solstice and March equinox - is about 89 days. It's 5 days shorter than the longest season.
December 19, 2024
A daytime moon is up after sunrise
It's time to watch for the moon in the morning sky, after sunrise. Look west! The moon will appear as a pale orb floating against a blue sky.
December 16, 2024
2024 December full moon is near Jupiter!
The 2024 December full moon will crest in the early morning hours of December 15. The bright object near the moon is Jupiter.
December 14, 2024
Astronomy Essentials
Saturn at opposition – brightest for 2025 – on September 21
Don't miss Saturn at opposition on and around the night of September 8, 2024. That's when our planet Earth passes between the sun and Saturn.
December 7, 2024
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.
December 7, 2024
