The Planets

Mars rises shortly after sunset and is high overhead at midnight.
Venus rises well before daybreak this month.
Saturn is high in the southern sky at dawn.

The Moon

Last Quarter: December 1, 31
New Moon: December 9
First Quarter December 17
Full Moon: December 23

Constellation of the Month: Taurus the Bull

Taurus (TAW-us) is supposed to represent the Greek god Zeus disguising himself as a bull to woo the beautiful Europa. Zeus fell in love with Europa but had to be careful because of his jealous wife Hera.

Zeus assumed the shape of a white bull and mingled with a herd of royal cattle. Europa soon noticed the beautiful beast and treated him like a pet.

One day Europa climbed on the bull's back and Zeus dashed into the sea and swam to the island of Crete. Once there, Zeus resumed his normal shape.

How to find Taurus: Look east and find Orion just above the horizon. Look higher and you'll see a V shape of stars. These stars form the face of Taurus. The bright star on the top left of the V is Aldebaran.

Events

• December 5: Dawn, Venus upper left of Moon
• December 14: Early morning, Geminid Meteor Shower. Considered one of the best of the year. Best viewed after the moon has set from a dark location (up to 75 per hour).
• December 18: Mars is at closest approach to Earth but you will need at least a 6" telescope to see any surface detail.
• December 22: Winter Solstice (12:08 a.m. CST) winter begins
• December 23rd: Look in the east an hour after sunset to see the Moon next to Mars.