The Earth is about to complete another period of translation around the Sun, the end of the year is approaching and closes with the strongest astronomical events. A total solar eclipse, two meteor showers and the arrival of the winter solstice will be part of the astronomical calendar for December 2021. Don’t miss the last opportunity to look up at the celestial vault and lose yourself in the immensity of the cosmos.
Astronomical calendar for December 2021
December 4: Total solar eclipse
This year was very active as far as eclipses are concerned. Only the month of November gave us the longest lunar eclipse of the century and now is the time for the natural satellite to eclipse the larger body. A solar eclipse It occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are perfectly aligned. In this cosmic dance, the natural satellite stands between the largest body and the Earth, blocking the visibility of the sun’s rays in the daytime part of our planet.
When a total solar eclipse occurs, certain regions of the globe are completely plunged into darkness. In the course of the day, Little by little the Moon covers the solar rays until it finds night with day. In this process the Sun’s beautiful outer atmosphere known as the corona is revealed.
Due to the conditions of these phenomena, it is difficult to observe them and they can only be seen in certain regions. In this December 4, 2021, the total solar eclipse can be seen in its maximum splendor in Antarctica and the southern Atlantic Ocean. And partially in much of southern Africa such as Botswana and some regions of Australia.
For the North American regions you will have to wait until 2024 when we can observe a total solar eclipse.
December 13 and 14: Geminids Meteor Shower
The Geminids They are the quintessential meteor shower. Those meteor hunters prepare all year to wait for the Geminids, since it is one of the most active with 120 bursts of light per hour. They are considered one of the most beautiful astronomical shows of the year.
It runs annually from December 7 to 17, although there is a night when it reaches its highest point and is the ideal to get away from the city to see the fireballs cross the sky. This December 2021 the splendor of the Geminids can be seen between the 13th and 14th. The best viewing will be from a dark place after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but they can appear anywhere in the sky.
December 19: Cold Full Moon
The cold full moon will reach its full moon at 04:37 UTC on December 19, two days before the entry of the winter solstice. The cold moon settles in the cosmos to officially receive the longest and darkest nights of the year.
December 21: Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
The official entry of winter (winter solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the southern hemisphere, It arrives in the middle of December. Seasonal changes prepare to transform the length of day and night. While in the north the nights begin to reign and the days become shorter. In the southern hemisphere the exact opposite happens, light makes its presence.
The entrance of the solstices will occur at precisely 15:50 UTC, the Sun will be positioned further south in the sky and the Earth will be at a slight tilt that will endow some places with a magical winter darkness in the north.
December 21 and 22: Ursid Meteor Shower
It is named after its radiant point, which is located in the constellation Ursa Minor. this little rain produces between 5 and 10 meteors per hour and is generated by dust grains left behind by Comet Tuttle. The annual period of appearance is from December 17 to 25, being its highest point between December 21 and 22which coincides with the entry of the winter and summer solstices for the north and south, respectively.
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