Reviewed by: Audrey Johnson
Don’t miss these exciting final astronomical events of 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes
If you missed the previous dazzling astronomical events this year, now is your chance to learn about how you can experience the final events of 2023. Two meteor showers, the shortest day of the year and the last full moon of the year are just around the corner.
Read on for more information about how to catch these astronomical events before they vanish from the sky.
Geminids Meteor Shower — Dec. 13-14
You won’t need any binoculars or telescopes to witness this spectacular astronomical event. The Geminids are known to be one of the North Hemisphere’s best meteor showers, given the bold, bright nature of the meteors. This is a unique shower, as it originates from an asteroid discovered in 1983 and not a comet like most other showers.
Keep your eyes on the skies the night of Wednesday, Dec. 13 through the following morning to witness the shower’s peak, producing almost 120 meteors per hour.
Ursids Meteor Shower — Dec. 22-23
The Ursids Meteor Shower is a minor shower that lasts from Dec. 17-25, and originates from a comet discovered in 1862. It is often overlooked, but if you don’t have any other plans the night of Friday, Dec. 22, keep an eye out for the Ursids, which will produce anywhere from five to 10 meteors per hour.
Be sure to view this astronomical event away from any excessive artificial light, as the concurrent first quarter moon will already make it difficult to see the meteors.
December Solstice — Dec. 22
The December solstice is marked when the Sun reaches the southernmost point in the Northern Hemisphere’s sky (and vice versa from the Southern Hemisphere’s perspective). Considering how cold it’s been recently, you may disagree, but this officially marks the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Occurring on Friday, Dec. 22, the December Solstice will bring the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
“Cold Moon” Full Moon — Dec. 26
The final full moon of the year, known as the “Cold Moon” by early Native American tribes, will shine brightest in the night sky of Tuesday, Dec. 26. Also known as the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule, the Cold Moon will also be visible on Christmas Day and Wednesday, Dec. 27.
If you’re able to see any of these astronomical events and get some pictures, we would love to see them! Share your pictures on social media and tag us or DM us at @hvilleblast.
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