December Skies

What an exciting month lies in store across the heavens.
Tomorrow sees Jupiter at its closest approach to earth and it will be visible all night. On the 11th Mercury is at its greatest brightness and, along with Venus is visible in the early morning sky.
On the 12th the asteroid Toutatis comes close to earth, although it still remains 180 x further away than the moon. It is moving gradually towards Jupiter and can be seen with a small telescope in the early evening.
The 13th and 14th sees the Geminids meteor shower, with a multicoloured display, although meteors should be on view between 6th and 19th. View in the east after midnight. the 13th is also the date of the new moon.
The 21st heralds the return of the light and is the date we have all either been waiting for or feel apprehensive about as it heralds the end of the longest calendar of days in the Mayan calendar and has many pieces of folklore attached to it, from the end of the world to a substantial shift in consciousness.
Whatever the end of 2012 brings may it help to put you in touch with your true life's purpose.

The Birch Moon

The new crescent moon should be visible either tonight or tomorrow and this moon was known as the Birch Moon to our Celtic ancestors.
This was the moon under which the development of sacred inner awareness was practised as it was thought to hold a promise of things to come. The Celts attributed protective qualities to the birch tree and it was therefore treasured throughout the dark months of winter.
The moon moves into the sign of Sagittarius today, which is indicated for all legal matters, education and ethics.
As I write the Moon is passing in front of Mercury which is visible with a motorised telescope from the UK, but due to cloud cover will not be seen by many.
Read more:  'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Meteor shower

This month brings us yet another heavenly spectacular, the first of which is tomorrow night (5th November) when the Taurids meteor shower peaks. There is a chance of some spectacular fire balls from around midnight to early morning, especially as the moon sets around 1 am to darken the skies.

Many of the planets are also in view including Mercury which shines at its best on the 9th, whilst Venus, Mars and Saturn are visible between the 9th to the 14th. One of the best meteor showers in 33 years due later in the month will blog with more details then, meanwhile enjoy the firewaorks and the shower.