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December 3, 2024Radio: Today’s Episode
Earliest Sunset
Sunset reverses course
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Radio: Yesterday’s Episode
Jupiter at Opposition
Zipping past a brilliant planet
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Stargazing
Earliest Sunset
The shortest day of the year is the winter solstice, December 21. Yet the earliest sunsets come before the solstice, working from south to north. From the middle latitudes of the United States, the earliest sunsets will take place in a few days.
Jupiter at Opposition
Jupiter, the solar system’s largest planet, is putting on its best performance of the year. It’s in view all night and shines brightest for the year. Look for it low in the east-northeast at nightfall, with the star Aldebaran to the right of Jupiter.
Sun in Ophiuchus
The Sun is entering Ophiuchus, the serpent-bearer, which is the unofficial thirteenth constellation of the zodiac. The Sun will remain within its borders for a little more than two more weeks.
Moon Phases
At the new Moon phase, the Moon is so close to the Sun in the sky that none of the side facing Earth is illuminated (position 1 in illustration). In other words, the Moon is between Earth and Sun. At first quarter, the half-lit Moon is highest in the sky at sunset, then sets about six hours later (3). At full Moon, the Moon is behind Earth in space with respect to the Sun. As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight (5).
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