Stargazing events of 2013
November 28
Newly discovered comet ISON will make its closest approach to the Sun on November 28. If the comet survives its encounter with the Sun, it could be one of the brightest comets in recent memory, and will be visible in the early morning and early evening sky. Some astronomers are already calling it the comet of the century!
December 13, 14
The Geminids meteor shower, the king of the meteor showers, peaks this year on the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. This year, the new moon will guarantee a dark sky, so it should be a wonderful show.
December 17
Earth will be between the Sun and the Moon and so the Moon will be fully illuminated as seen from Earth.
December 21
This is the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere. The cool thing about this year’s solstice is that it begins at exactly 11:11 pm. Make a wish for winter!
December 21, 22
Ursids Meteor Shower. The Ursids is a minor meteor shower producing only about 5-10 meteors per hour. It peaks this year on the night of the 21st. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location away from city lights. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.
December (all month)
Venus, the brightest of all the planets, will be shining extremely bright throughout the entire month of December. It will reach its greatest brilliancy on December 6. This is the showiest Venus will be for all of 2013 and 2014.