Stargazing Summary
As fall gives way to winter, some of the most spectacular stars and constellations in the night sky wheel into prime viewing hours. Orion, the hunter, is in view for most of the night as the month begins, and all night by December's end. A rectangle of four bright stars outlines his body, with his three-star belt at the rectangle's center. The belt points toward Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Other bright sights include the twins of Gemini, yellow-orange Capella high overhead, and the V-shaped face and orange eye of Taurus.
Radio Program Highlights
If you want to start hearing the StarDate program in your area, you can request a station to carry our program by emailing the request to stations@stardate.org.
December 1-7: Superflares. A tiny star has produced some powerful outbursts of energy - thousands of times more powerful than anything the Sun produces. Join us for these superflares, plus the disappearing Summer Triangle and much more.
December 8-14: Moon Meanderings. The Moon passes some bright lights this week, including the giant planet Jupiter and the star at the "heart" of the lion, and we'll have details. Well also talk about a meteor shower and much more.
December 15-21: Distant Neighbors. Astronomers have recently discovered what appear to be the most remote stars yet seen in the Milky Way galaxy. We'll tell you how far away the stars are and how they might have gotten there.
December 22-28: Doomed Giant. The star at the heel of Orion, the hunter, is destined to explode as a supernova. And if it has any planets, theyre doomed as well. Join us for brilliant Rigel, plus a trip to the movies and much more.
December 29-31: Hailstorm! Earth and the other worlds of the inner solar system were pelted by a giant hailstorm billions of years ago, and well have details. And we'll also talk about an astronomer who saw double.
December program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on more than 300 radio stations nationwide. Find an affiliate »
December 1-7: Superflares. A tiny star has produced some powerful outbursts of energy - thousands of times more powerful than anything the Sun produces. Join us for these superflares, plus the disappearing Summer Triangle and much more.
December 8-14: Moon Meanderings. The Moon passes some bright lights this week, including the giant planet Jupiter and the star at the "heart" of the lion, and we'll have details. Well also talk about a meteor shower and much more.
December 15-21: Distant Neighbors. Astronomers have recently discovered what appear to be the most remote stars yet seen in the Milky Way galaxy. We'll tell you how far away the stars are and how they might have gotten there.
December 22-28: Doomed Giant. The star at the heel of Orion, the hunter, is destined to explode as a supernova. And if it has any planets, theyre doomed as well. Join us for brilliant Rigel, plus a trip to the movies and much more.
December 29-31: Hailstorm! Earth and the other worlds of the inner solar system were pelted by a giant hailstorm billions of years ago, and well have details. And we'll also talk about an astronomer who saw double.
December program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on more than 300 radio stations nationwide. Find an affiliate »
Coming Up in StarDate Magazine
Our Sky Almanac 2015 is coming your way soon. The 32-page issue will deliver skywatching tips, anniversaries in astronomy and spaceflight, and more for each month, as well as the scoop on next years meteor showers and eclipses.
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