EarthSky News - Dec 15 - New Star Names

December 15 New Star Names by:

IAU approves 86 more new star names "These professional astronomers are claiming the exclusive right to give 'approved' names to the stars. But the stars - and the sky - belong to all of us." Sirius in many colors When you see bright Sirius low in the sky, you're seeing it shine through an extra thickness of Earth's atmosphere. Then its colorful flashing might surprise you. A grand year for the Geminids The 2017 Geminids were thought to have a better-than-average chance of producing a rich display, since their parent body - a strange rock-comet called 3200 Phaethon - is nearby. And so it was! Photos here. Lengths of lunar months in 2017 Longest lunar month of 21st century (2001 to 2100) starts with December 18 new moon.  Tonight … Cassiopeia, Queen of the north In late December month, Cassiopeia is swinging directly over Polaris, the North Star, at around 7 p.m. local clock time. Solstice coming up December 21 Solstice happens December 21 at 16:28 UTC; translate to your time zone.

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? An EarthSky lunar calendar is sure to delight. Or give the gift that gives back! Check out the new colors and designs of our EarthSky Cares Tees. A percentage of proceeds collected will be donated to select organizations.

Sirius in many colors Amanda Cross in  the UK caught these images of the star Sirius - our sky's brightest star - on December 11. "No color enhancements were made," she wrote. Learn why Sirius is so colorful.

A grand year for the Geminids Scott Kuhn in Chatsworth, Georgia used a fisheye lens to create this image of a curved Geminid meteor on the morning of December 14. In the real sky, the meteor would have appeared in a straight line. Submit your photo to EarthSky here!

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