The first major astronomical event in December will be the total solar eclipse, on December 4.
This last month of the year brings a series of astronomical events for everyone to enjoy. Some of these phenomena will be able to be appreciated by many, if the meteorological conditions allow it, while others will be exclusive to be observed from certain points of the planet.
Sun eclipse
The first major astronomical event in December will be the total solar eclipse, on December 4.
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth, blocking its light for a region of our planet and casting a shadow that causes a sudden darkening, which subsides after a couple of minutes.
This time the phenomenon will begin at 01:00 am (UTC) and 33 minutes later it will reach its maximum point, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, at 01:33. It will come to an end at 02:06.
It can be fully appreciated in Antarctica. Although few will see it in its maximum splendor, the best populated places on Earth to observe this eclipse – albeit partially – will be Port Stanley (Falkland / Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa), New Zealand, Namibia or Ushuaia (Argentina).
Geminids
Throughout the year there are several meteor showers (although they are not really stars), but the Geminid shower is one of the most famous for having a rate of 120 meteors per hour, approximately one of the highest.
The origin of this rain is not associated, as usual, with a comet, but with the asteroid (3200) Phaethon, which has a translation period of 1.4 years around the Sun. The rain receives its name from Geminids, since this phenomenon is observable in the constellation of Gemini.
The phenomenon will take place from December 4 to 20; From Ecuador, the day of greatest splendor will be on December 14, at 01:54.
To appreciate this event it is not necessary to use telescopes or special instruments, as it will be visible to the naked eye.
This astronomical event will not be observable from the city, so it is recommended to go to a place little affected by light pollution.
Ursids
Also, from December 17 to 26, the Ursid meteor shower will be celebrated, named after the constellation from which the meteors come out: Ursa Minor.
The busiest day will be the early morning of Tuesday, December 22, at 10:23. This shower has a rate of 10 meteors per hour, one of the lowest.
December solstice
On Tuesday, December 21, at 10:59, the so-called December solstice will be fulfilled.
The word solstice comes from Latin solstice, which means ‘still sun’. During the solstice, the sun is closest to one of the hemispheres. This phenomenon has its peculiarities in the north and south.
On the December solstice, the Sun reaches its southernmost position in the sky, no matter where it is on Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun travels its lowest and shortest path across the sky that day.
Thus, in the north, the winter solstice brings the shortest day and longest night of the year, in terms of hours of sunlight; from this date the days begin to lengthen. On the other hand, in the south there will be the longest day and the shortest night, for the summer solstice; since then the days begin to shorten. (I)
Other phenomena of the month
- Occultation of Mercury by the Moon: 07:42 on 12/04/2021
- Full Moon: 11:35 PM on 12/18/2021
- Stationary Venus: 05:30 on 12/19/2021
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