Spectacular Celestial Show: Night Sky Watching Dec. 2016 (Video)

Stargazing is for everybody. It’s for people who like seeing themselves as part of a bigger picture … people with a sense of wonder … people who just like being outside at night.

After the Sun sets on these short December days, you can find Venus and Mars hanging out in the darkening southwestern sky.

The two planets will move closer together as the month progresses.

Jupiter rises into the southeastern sky well before the Sun appears. Aim a telescope at the giant planet to spy its dark cloud bands and a few of its moons.

Let the moon help you find the planets. You don't need any special equipment but just your eyes.

The night sky is always a celestial showcase. Explore its wonders from your own backyard.

Earth Sky http://earthsky.org/tonight

Clips, images credit: ESO, ESA/HUBBLE & NASA/JPL