Keep an eye out for Pegasus, Geminid showers, and winter solstice in December.

This December marks the 18th anniversary of the Sky Guy column, celebrating years of exploring the night sky. Over this time, readers have gained insights into our universe and developed a deeper appreciation for the cosmos.

Evening Sky: The Great Square of Pegasus

The "Great Square of Pegasus" is prominent in the early evening sky. Pegasus, the winged horse of Perseus (appearing upside down), is easily spotted about halfway up from the south-southwest after nightfall. On its southwest side, along the horses neck and head, lies the globular cluster M15. This cluster is roughly 37,000 light-years away, spans 175 light-years, contains over 100,000 stars, and can be observed with a small pair of binoculars.

Morning Sky

• Venus has entered the Suns glare and will become visible in the western sky during February along with Mercury.
• Mars will make its appearance in the morning sky by May.
• Jupiter will reach opposition next month, making it visible in both early morning and late evening skies, appearing very bright in the eastern sky after sunset.

Evening Sky

• Saturn is visible at sunset, positioned halfway up from the south-southwest horizon, and remains observable until around 11 p.m.
• The Moon will pass near a few bright stars throughout the month.

Key December Events

• 3rd: The Moon passes in front of the Pleiades cluster in the evening, although its brightness may obscure fainter stars.
• 6th: Free planetarium show, December Skies over Tallahassee, at Fogg Planetarium, Challenger Learning Center (not for children under 5). Doors close at 10 a.m.
• 7th: Early morning triangle formation: Moon, Jupiter, and Pollux.
• 9th: Moon passes very close to bright star Regulus in the evening.
• 13th14th: Geminid meteor shower peaks; the Moon will not interfere significantly.
• 14th: Moon near bright star Spica in the morning.
• 21st: Winter solstice the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere.
• 26th: Moon passes close to Saturn in the evening; join the Tallahassee Astronomical Society for a free Quarter Moon viewing event at Cascades Park, 810:30 p.m., weather permitting. Perfect for families and small groups to observe celestial wonders and telescopes in action.
• 31st: Moon, Aldebaran, and the Pleiades form a triangle in the evening sky.

For more details and upcoming events, visit the Tallahassee Astronomical Societys calendar at tallystargazers.org.

Ken Kopczynski, former president of the Tallahassee Astronomical Society, contributed this overview. This article originally appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Author's Commentary: Reflecting on 18 Years of the Sky Guy Column

This December marks a significant milestone for the "Sky Guy" column, which has been a valuable resource for sky enthusiasts for the past 18 years. The column has been a journey not only through the night sky but also through the minds of readers, fostering a deeper connection to the cosmos. Throughout these years, the column has been a bridge between complex astronomical concepts and everyday observations, allowing both beginners and seasoned stargazers to find wonder in the skies above. The insights offered by the column have undoubtedly inspired many to look up and appreciate the beauty of the universe beyond our planet.

As we celebrate this anniversary, it is clear that the column's impact extends beyond its informative content. It has been a source of community and inspiration for those eager to explore the cosmos. Whether it's spotting the Great Square of Pegasus in the evening sky or anticipating the upcoming Geminid meteor shower, "Sky Guy" has helped readers make sense of the celestial events around them, turning complex astronomical phenomena into accessible and exciting experiences.

Analysis: December's Celestial Highlights

In the current month, December offers a variety of celestial events, with the Great Square of Pegasus standing out as one of the most recognizable formations in the early evening sky. As Pegasus rises, the cluster M15 provides an opportunity for amateur astronomers to observe a dense group of stars located 37,000 light-years away. With the help of binoculars, it's a simple yet awe-inspiring sight. This month also includes significant milestones, such as the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, which is expected to provide a spectacular display of shooting stars. Fortunately, the Moon’s brightness will not interfere significantly with the event, ensuring optimal viewing conditions.

For those who prefer the early morning sky, Venus, currently hidden by the Sun’s glare, will become visible in February, joining Mercury in the western sky. Mars will also make its appearance by May, while Jupiter, which will reach opposition next month, promises to be visible in both early morning and evening skies. These are just a few examples of the exciting events awaiting stargazers in the coming months, which the "Sky Guy" column will undoubtedly continue to cover in depth.

Looking Ahead: A Year of Stargazing

The year ahead holds great promise for those with an interest in astronomy. As the "Sky Guy" column celebrates its 18th anniversary, it's important to reflect on how far we've come in our understanding of the universe. From learning about distant galaxies to tracking the movements of planets in our own solar system, the column has remained a consistent source of knowledge and inspiration. For readers, the journey of discovery is ongoing, and with each passing year, the wonders of the night sky continue to unfold.

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• Watch for Pegasus, Geminid showers and winter solstice in December