December 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

The rest of this year, we have been looking at the planets of our solar system. This month, let's highlight our companion, who can be seen every month, though in different phases, the Moon. Discover the Moon Phases. Watch for it to create a triangle along with Venus and Jupiter early in the month

Learn more about the Moon and take a solar system tour.

Check out this map for the month of December, or create your own customized map with our Free Sky Maps tool.

Note: This map is for a median time and location and December have slight differences from your location and viewing time. Planets and moons shown on this map will have the highest probability of appearing in different locations.

Use this handy Sky Map Symbols Key to figure out what you should be looking for.

Check out our Astronomical Events Calendar to learn about other happenings in space and on Earth. Here is a sampling of highlights.

• 1: Conjunction of Moon, Venus, and Jupiter (3 Degree Triangle)
• 6: MESSENGER, Deep Space Maneuver 4 (DSM-4)
• 12: Moon at Perigee
• 13: Geminids Meteor Shower Peak
• 21: Winter Solstice
• 26: Moon at Apogee
• 29: Moon Occults Jupiter

This month, the constellation Auriga can be seen high in the sky. Let's take a closer look at Auriga.

• The Charioteer
• Genitive: Aurigae
• Abbreviations: Aur, Auri
• Right Ascension, (h): 6
• Declination, (deg): 40N

In June l967, Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr. was named the first African-American astronaut, though he never made it into space. Several months later, on December 8, Lawrence died when his F-104 Starfighter jet, in which he was a co-pilot/passenger during a training flight, crashed at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Check every day to learn what happened "This Day in History."

• 1: 1811 - Benjamin (Don Benito) Wilson born, namesake of Mt. Wilson, CA.
• 5: 1978 - Pioneer Venus begins sending back data and images as first U.S. Venus orbiter.
• 15: 1965 - Launch of Gemini 6A Earth orbiting mission carrying Walter Schirra and Tom Stafford.
• 31: 1958 - The International Geophysical Year (IGY) ends after 18 months.