Sky Notes - December
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December
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The following sky notes describe what may be seen in the night sky, soon after sunset at the beginning of December, for an observer situated in the UK.
The Geminid meteor shower is active between 7th and 16th with peak activity around the 14th when rates of many tens per hour are possible. High in the sky is the distinctive “V” of Taurus (the Bull) with the bright star Aldebaran marking his eye. Binoculars will reveal that the “V” is part of an open star cluster, the Hyades. Slightly higher and to the west is the beautiful open star cluster, the Pleiades or “Seven Sisters”. Good eyesight will reveal seven stars, keen eyesight a few more and binoculars many more.
