Cosmic Lure: Midmonth Check-In: December 2021and Upcoming Events of 2022

Introduction and Monthly Reminders

The clouds continue to plague the night sky. I've been unable to do any imaging or stargazing due to the clouds and the cold temperatures. The current weather forecast is continued cloud cover, rain, and snow for the next ten days or so. Obviously this can change since the weather is so hard to predict. Much like the brightness of a comet! It seems that Comet Leonard has started to dim ahead of the predications.

Stargazers can catch the stragglers from the Geminids, if the clouds allow it. A pair of binoculars or a telescope will be required to view Comet Leonard, due to its dimming. Observers will still have the chance to watch the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope on the 22nd, as long as there are no more delays. If the weather permits it, stargazers can also still catch the close encounter of Mars and Antares during the dawn hours of the 25th. Evening observers will still be able to see the close approach of Mercury and Venus on the 28th as well.

Think About This....💡

A new year is nearly upon us. Since this is the last post of the year, I will give a brief overview of what you can look forward to in 2022. First, a short disclaimer. This overview will not include any comets since they are so unpredictable. Some comets have not been discovered yet so there is always the potential for an unaided eye comet to appear. If such an occurrence happens, I will let you know!

Starting with the planets, Venus will soon move from being the "Evening Star" to the "Morning Star." This will happen in January of 2022 and will remain the "Morning Star" until September. At this time, it will return as the "Evening Star."

Mars recently returned to the morning sky and will continue to be found there in early 2022. As the year progresses, Mars will climb higher in the sky and will reach opposition in December. At this time, Mars will shine brightly in the sky, begging for your attention.

Jupiter will move to the morning sky in 2022, but return to the evening sky later in the year. It will reach opposition in September, offering great views. School will be in session by this time, so don't hesitate to spend the last few nights of summer out late to view this giant planet. Any instrument will reveal the Galilean Moons while a small telescope can reveal the cloud bands.

Saturn will be just a few weeks ahead of Jupiter, moving to the morning sky, then reach opposition in August. Use any clear night to view the rings of Saturn as it will surely not disappoint.

During the early part of 2022, observers willing to brave the cold can view the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula. As the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the Sun and the warmth of Spring arrives, look to the sky for one of my favorite deep sky objects, the Beehive Cluster. During May, Utahns will be able to witness a total lunar eclipse.

As summer rolls around, so do more of my favorite deep sky objects. The Hercules Cluster, Ring Nebula, and the Wild Duck Cluster will be high in the sky and easy to spot with your telescope. Towards the end of summer, be sure to watch for the Perseid Meteor Shower, one of the best of the year. In autumn, observers can get the last of their viewing in before the cold sets in and snow covers the ground. This is the time when it's best to view the Andromeda Galaxy and the Double Cluster, more of my favorites. November will bring a second opportunity for Utahns to see a total lunar eclipse.

As a parting gift for the year, here is my favorite image that was taken in 2021. This image is from Cedar Breaks National Monument, a dark sky park. If you get the chance, be sure to visit this park at night for spectacular views of the night sky.