This week offers excellent opportunities for stargazing across the UK, with dark skies providing ideal viewing conditions. The winter constellations â Orion, Gemini, Auriga, and Taurus â will be prominent in the southeastern sky after dusk. Early risers are in for a special treat, with a rare stellar occultation, while Jupiter remains a captivating sight throughout the night.
Before dawn on Wednesday, a slender 13%-illuminated crescent moon will grace the east-southeastern sky. This beautiful celestial sight is enhanced by a rare occultation. Observers in eastern regions of the UK will witness the bright star Spica, located in the constellation Virgo, reappear from behind the moon's dimly lit edge. Precise timings for this event will vary by location, so consult online resources such as the International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA) website for detailed predictions.
Thursday, 28 November: Thanksgiving and Orion
While not a celestial event itself, Thanksgiving provides a perfect family opportunity for shared stargazing. The rising constellation Orion, easily recognisable by its distinctive three-star belt, makes for an excellent introduction to astronomy for children. This could be a good time to consider purchasing a pair of binoculars as a valuable, and user-friendly, aid to observation.
Although Jupiter's opposition â when Earth lies between it and the sun, resulting in maximum brightness and proximity â is still a week away, its enhanced visibility is already noticeable. This is an ideal time to train binoculars or a small telescope on the gas giant, enjoying its detailed features.
Sunday, 1 December: New Moon
December begins with a new moon, offering exceptionally dark skies for observation. With the moon positioned between the Earth and sun, moonlight interference is minimal, revealing the celestial canvas at its darkest. Unlike last month, which featured a solar eclipse, this new moon will not produce such a dramatic spectacle, but the absence of moonlight makes it nonetheless favourable for deep-sky viewing.
General Notes:
The timings and visibility of these events are approximate and apply to mid-northern latitudes. For precise location-specific predictions, consult online planetariums such as Stellarium, a valuable resource for detailed star charts and celestial event predictions tailored to your geographical coordinates. Remember to dress warmly and find a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing.
