Get your coat, grab a warm drink, and step outside … the December night sky brings a spectacular lineup of planets, meteors and lunar highlights. Even if you’re under light-polluted skies near Barrie, Ontario, there’s plenty to see.
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The Moon: Cold Moon / Final Supermoon
December kicks off with a full Moon on December 4, called the Cold Moon. Because it’s also a supermoon, it’ll look bigger and brighter than usual. This makes it perfect for photos or just admiring with the naked eye.
Because of its brightness, it can wash out fainter stars and planets nearby. If you have binoculars or a telescope, now’s the time to check out the craters and shadows along the lunar surface.
Why is it called the Cold Moon?
The Cold Moon is the traditional name for the full Moon that happens in December. It’s part of a long-standing set of names for full Moons throughout the year, many of which come from Native American, European, and other cultural calendars.
It’s called the “Cold Moon” because December is usually the coldest month of the Northern Hemisphere, with long nights and deep winter chill setting in. The name isn’t about any special astronomical event … it’s purely a seasonal reference.
So, when you hear “Cold Moon,” think bright, big, and wintery. Perfect for cozy stargazing nights.
Planets to watch out for
The planets are putting on a show this month, and you don’t need a telescope to catch most of them. From bright Jupiter lighting up the evening sky to a sneaky morning Mercury, December’s lineup is perfect for a little casual stargazing. Here’s what to keep an eye on.
Jupiter
Jupiter will light up the night sky all month. Look to the east about 90 minutes after sunset and stays visible through much of the night.
With a small telescope or strong binoculars, you can also spot its four large moons, and even watch one cast a shadow on the planet’s disk, which is a rare treat for casual stargazers.
Saturn
Saturn will appear in the early evening sky toward the south. It’s best viewed early in the evening and sets around midnight. Even a modest pair of binoculars will help you pick out its golden hue, but it’s bright enough to notice with the naked eye too.
Neptune
Neptune is located just a few degrees from Saturn, also in the south. It’s faint, so binoculars are helpful if you want to spot its tiny blue dot.
Uranus
Uranus is well-placed almost all night, south of the Pleiades. Under dark skies might even be detectable with the naked eye, though binoculars make it much easier to identify.
Mercury
For early risers, Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation on December 7, making this the best time of the year to spot the elusive planet before dawn. Look low on the southeastern horizon about 30–60 minutes before sunrise.
As the month progresses, Mercury sinks closer to the Sun and becomes harder to spot.
What about the other planets?
Other inner planets (like Venus or Mars) are more or less lost in the Sun’s glow this month, so won’t be easily visible.
Meteor showers to catch this month
This month, the showstopper is the Geminid meteor shower, which peaks around December 14. Under dark, moonless skies, observers could see dozens (potentially up to 100–120) meteors per hour.
Later in the month brings the Ursid meteor shower, peaking around December 22, offering a second chance for meteor-watching before the holidays.
A meteor shower is best viewed late at night or in the early hours before dawn. Face away from city lights and give your eyes at least 15–20 minutes to adjust.
How to Observe the Night Sky
You don’t need to be an expert or own fancy equipment to enjoy December’s sky. Here are a few tips to make your stargazing easier and more fun:
- Find a dark spot – Even a small distance from streetlights can make a big difference. Parks, open fields, or backyards with minimal lighting work best.
- Dress warmly – December nights are chilly. Layers, gloves, and a warm drink go a long way toward keeping the experience enjoyable.
- Give your eyes time to adjust – It takes about 15–20 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark, so avoid looking at your phone or bright lights during that time.
- Bring binoculars or a telescope – Not required, but helpful for spotting planets, the Moon’s craters, or Uranus and Neptune. Even a small pair of binoculars can reveal Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings as tiny dots.
- Use a stargazing app or star map – Apps can show you exactly where to find planets, constellations, and meteor shower radiants in real time.
- Be patient – Some meteors or planets may only be visible briefly. Take your time, look around the sky, and enjoy the calm of a winter night.
With these tips, you’ll get the most out of December’s cosmic show, whether it’s a dazzling supermoon, a streaking Geminid, or the glow of Jupiter and Saturn.
Mark your calendar with these key dates
- Dec 4: Full Moon / Supermoon (Cold Moon)
- Dec 7: Mercury at greatest western elongation (best morning view)
- Dec 7 to 8: Moon near Jupiter — good conjunction for planet + lunar viewing
- Dec 13 to 14: Peak of the Geminid meteor shower
- Dec 22: Peak of the Ursid meteor shower
- Late December: Saturn and Neptune visible in the early evening sky; Uranus remains observable all night; Jupiter bright all night
The December night sky offers some of the best stargazing of the year. You’ll see a full-blown supermoon, spectacular planets, and dazzling meteors. Whether you’re a casual sky-lover or a more serious observer, there’s something for everyone.
