Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Dec. 11 6:58 4:11

Sat., Dec. 12 6:59 4:11

Sun., Dec. 13 6:59 4:11

Mon., Dec. 14 7:00 4:11

Tues., Dec. 15 7:01 4:12

Wed., Dec. 16 7:02 4:12

Thurs., Dec. 17 7:02 4:12

Fri., Dec. 18 7:03 4:12

Meteors, also known as shooting stars, sometimes grace our evening sky. They can come from any direction and at any time. Some are brilliant fireballs and some are so faint they are barely visible.

The Geminid meteor shower will peak early in the week.

The Geminid meteor shower is one of the dozen showers in the year when an observer can see meteors coming at a more predictable rate. The shower peaks on Sunday night, though meteors can be seen at any time a day or two before or after. The best time to look is after 10 p.m.

If the sky is clear, astronomers report an observer may be able to see and count as many 70 meteors in an hour, though it is more realistic not to put your expectations that high. The Geminids are one of the best of a dozen showers to watch.

The Geminids is better than the August Perseid meteor shower, though the Perseid is far more comfortable for the observer. Bundle up. Go outside with a cup of hot mulled cider, give yourself time to let your eyes adjust to the night and enjoy the show.

Mars and Jupiter

The biggest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, hangs over the southwestern sky early in the evening. As Jupiter starts to set in the west, the red planet Mars rises in the east. Mars rises at about 10 p.m. It is the brightest “star” in the east.

M.A.L.