See 2024’s Final ‘Supermoon’ And ‘Fireballs’: The Night Sky This Week

A Geminid meteor shower peaks for nights on end, while the moon takes it’s turn at a dazzling supermoon.

Other celestial events occurring this week are:

This week, skywatchers will be treated to a dazzling display of celestial events, including a supermoon, a meteor shower, and a chance to see fireballs. Here's what to look for in the night sky this week:

Monday, December 12: The moon will reach its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This is known as a supermoon. The supermoon will be visible all night long, and it will be especially impressive when it rises above the horizon. Look for the supermoon in the east around sunset.

Tuesday, December 13: The Geminid meteor shower will peak on the night of December 13-14, with up to 120 meteors per hour visible under dark skies. The Geminids are known for their bright, fast-moving meteors, and they are one of the most popular meteor showers of the year. The best time to see the Geminids is after midnight, when the shower is at its peak. Look for the meteors in the northeast part of the sky.

Wednesday, December 14: The Ursid meteor shower will also be active this week, with up to 10 meteors per hour visible under dark skies. The Ursids are a less active meteor shower than the Geminids, but they can still produce some impressive displays. The best time to see the Ursids is in the early morning hours, before dawn. Look for the meteors in the northeast part of the sky.

Thursday, December 15: The planets Venus and Mars will be visible in the evening sky. Venus will be the brighter of the two planets, and it will be visible in the west-southwest after sunset. Mars will be visible in the east-southeast after sunset. Look for the planets near the horizon.

Friday, December 16: The planets Jupiter and Saturn will be visible in the morning sky. Jupiter will be the brighter of the two planets, and it will be visible in the southeast before sunrise. Saturn will be visible in the east-southeast before sunrise. Look for the planets near the horizon.

In addition to these celestial events, there is also a chance to see fireballs this week. Fireballs are meteors that are brighter than usual, and they can sometimes leave a trail of smoke or debris behind them. Fireballs can be seen at any time of night or day, but they are most common during meteor showers. If you see a fireball, be sure to report it to the American Meteor Society.

So, get ready for a week of amazing celestial events! Be sure to look up to the sky and enjoy the show!