On 30th November, astronomy enthusiasts witnessed the fourth and final lunar/ semi-silhouette eclipse of 2020.
Following this astronomical event, the Earth's sky will see a solar eclipse within 35 days, on December 14, and will be a total eclipse in North America.
The 2020 astronomical calendar was full of dramatic celestial events, including the rare blue moon, meteorites, and eclipses, and as we enter the last month of the year, there are still a few events worth paying attention and follow-up.
December will see meteor showers, a winter solstice, another 2020 shower and a total solar eclipse, depending on where you are in the world.
- Twin meteors on December 13:
The showers will peak on the night of December 13th and early morning on December 14, and the event will be visible for almost two weeks from 4 to 16 December, around the world, although the best show of the scene will be in the northern hemisphere.
Its peak coincides with a new moon, so meteors will appear brighter in the night sky with no light pollution from the moon. Up to 50 meteors per hour are expected, with the best viewing time around 2 a.m.
- Total solar eclipse on December 14:
The moon will pass directly in front of the sun, forming a total eclipse of the sun on December 14. Unfortunately, the scene will only be visible to people in certain areas of the southern region.
There will be a partial eclipse visible in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru and Ecuador, as well as in parts of Antarctica and the southwestern parts of Africa.
- Meteor showers on December 21st:
The last meteor shower of the year will coincide with the winter solstice, culminating on December 21st.
Anyone can look at the night sky from December 17 to 26 to follow the event, commonly referred to as the Shihab Star.
Even at its peak, showers will not exceed 5 to 10 meteors per hour.
- Winter solstice on December 21st:
The shortest day of the year is particularly important for some as an opportunity to celebrate the return of long days.
But this day is also important for northern region astronomers, who will be able to enjoy the longest night of the year, weather permitting.
- The great pairing between Jupiter and Saturn on December 21:
The winter solstice will welcome which is known as the Great Union, when the two largest planets in our solar system come together in the night sky.
The December event will be the closest great coupling between Jupiter and Saturn in 397 years.
The rare event can be seen by looking west just after sunset, where the two planets will appear to form a "bright double planet".
- Full moon on December 30
This year's last full moon, also known as cold moon, will occur on December 30.
As it is so close to the winter solstice, the beginning of December will be surrounded by a dark sky for any full moon this year.
Source: 'The independent'
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