Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of December 10, 2021.
NASA has announced a recommendation to end support for the International Space Station by 2030. Plus, read reports from the total solar eclipse over Antarctica last week. And don't miss the peak of the Geminid meteor shower Monday night!
The first-quarter Moon is tonight (exactly so at 8:36 p.m. EST). Comet Leonard is at its best right now! It's about magnitude 5.5, low due east tomorrow morning. Go out just before the very first light of dawn, the comet will be about 10° above horizontal.
At first glance, the annual Geminid meteor shower appears to be on a collision course with a bright Moon. But a closer look reveals a happy window of dark skies.