Contributions requested

Folks - got another call from the Mooney show to have a blather with Derek about the Geminids plus anything else of interest for the month of December.

It'll air live after 4pm on Wednesday's show, RTE Radio 1.

So, how's about you folks tell me the one event in December that you will definately be hoping for a clear night.

Bear in mind, this is for the general public - so, easy to spot (with binocs if necessary), at a reasonable time and something likely to pique Joe Public's interest.

Cheers

Dave

science.nasa.gov/NEWHOME/headlines/ast04dec98_1.htm

skytour.homestead.com/met2006.html#anchor_13

Michael - anything else you've got a big red cross marked on your calendar for?

They're great links by the way - cheers!

In terms of other events, I usually check the Skymaps.com for it's monthly pf skychart. For december:
www.skymaps.com/skymaps/tesmn0612.pdf

Dave,

A lot of people with a passing familiarity with the night sky will know Orions belt. Why not use this as a pointer to the brightest star sirius and explain that despite what they have been told The north star is not the brightest star.

Then follow up with binocs on orions sword and follow the belt to the right the other way for hyades and pleiades. All stunning binocular sights. and easy to find.

Besides the usual constellations and the geminids (peaking ~4am this Friday morning) there isnt much really, like Trevor said, look for orion, I'd also suggest the plough which is low in the north sky and easily found, also try looking for the "big W" (cassiopeia), easly seen at the top of the sky (zenith)!.
For earlty morning risers, have a look for a bright star to the eas, its probabily saturn, it'll be easier to see next year.
Maybe talk about the star of bethleham :lol: , see the can of worms that opens :twisted: