Stargazers, brace yourselves for a celestial spectacle this December, but there’s a catch: Mars is playing hide-and-seek with the sun, making it invisible to us this month. But fear not—there’s still plenty to marvel at in the Saskatchewan skies! Here’s the lowdown on what’s happening above, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this.
Uranus takes center stage, visible all night long, offering a rare chance to spot this distant ice giant. Meanwhile, the moon kicks off the month with a waxing gibbous phase, building up to a full moon on December 4. And this is the part most people miss: on the same day, the moon will gracefully drift just north of the Pleiades (M45), creating a breathtaking sight. Pro tip: this full moon, being at perigee (356,963 km away), will also stir up higher-than-usual tides along coastlines—nature’s own lunar-powered show!
But here’s where it gets controversial: occultations, those fleeting moments when the moon hides stars or planets, are in the spotlight this month. On December 10, Regulus will be occulted for most of Canada, and on December 18, Antares will meet the same fate—but only for viewers in the Southern Hemisphere. And for the daring observers, Pluto will be occulted by the moon on December 22, visible in eastern Canada. It’s a challenging sight, but oh-so-rewarding if you catch it.
Jupiter rises shortly after sunset, making it a prime target for Northern Hemisphere viewers. On December 7, look for the waning gibbous moon just four degrees north of this gas giant. And mark your calendars for December 24: a rare double shadow will cross Jupiter’s disk in the early morning—a sight you won’t forget.
Saturn, nestled among the stars of Aquarius, is slowly starting its prograde motion. Its iconic rings are opening up slightly this month, giving us a better view of their southern side. Catch it on December 27, when the first-quarter moon glides nearby. Meanwhile, Neptune and Saturn form a dynamic duo in the western evening sky, though they’re far enough apart to reside in different constellations—Pisces and Aquarius, respectively.
For meteor enthusiasts, December is a treasure trove. The Geminid Meteors peak on the morning of December 14, offering one of the year’s most reliable showers. And if you’re still craving more, the Ursid Meteors peak on December 22, just after the winter solstice on December 21—a perfect way to welcome the season.
Now, let’s talk planets. Mercury puts on its best morning show of 2025 for Northern Hemisphere viewers, visible in the eastern dawn sky. But Venus and Mars, both too close to the sun, remain elusive this month. Is this a sign of the universe keeping some secrets? Or just a reminder of the ever-changing dance of our solar system?
Lastly, a shoutout to James Edgar, a lifelong sky enthusiast and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). With a career spanning from national president to editor of the Observer’s Handbook, Edgar’s passion for astronomy even earned him an asteroid named in his honor: (22421) Jamesedgar. His dedication inspires us all to look up and wonder.
So, what do you think? Are occultations and meteor showers worth braving the December cold for? Or is the universe’s hide-and-seek game with Mars a dealbreaker? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
