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The Geminid meteor shower peaks December 14, 2014, with the peak at about 5 AM Pacific time. The Geminids are one of the finest meteor showers, rivalling the Perseid shower in August. The Geminids originate near the bright stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini (the Twins). Typically 50 to 100 meteors per hour should be visible at the peak. The moon will be in its last quarter on this date and rises about 3 PM on the 13th, so it should not interfere with viewing too much: Geminid meteors are often bright, so they should still be clearly visible. Geminid meteors are often as good in the evening as in the hours between midnight and dawn.
On December 11/12 at midnight Jupiter will be within 6 degrees of the waning moon and very close to the star Regulus in the constellation Leo. Mars is another evening planet in December. Between 22 – 24 December Venus will be near the new moon at dusk. On Christmas Eve Mars will pass within 5 degrees of the new moon at dusk in Capricorn. Saturn will be low in the dawn sky within 2 degrees of the new moon on December 19.
The Sunshine Coast Chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society meets at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Friday of every month at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, Medusa St. Sechelt. On December 12 our astronomers will be displaying their telescope equipment and accessories and will be available to answer questions about their astronomical equipment. If you’ve been thinking of buying a telescope as a gift for someone or even yourself, this is a great opportunity to get information you need to make an informed decision.
We also hold an “Astro Café” at Pier 17 in Davis Bay at 8 PM on the 3rd Friday of every month. In December Astro Café will be on the 19th. Bring your telescope, binoculars, or just yourself.
Check out the latest news on our web site: www.coastastronomy.ca Submitted
