Derekscope

Titan transits Saturn early evening

• Saturn is visible from the UK with a telescope.
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• The transit begins around sunset and continues into twilight, offering a rare and poetic view of Saturn’s largest moon crossing the planet’s disk.
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• Mercury reaches greatest western elongation on Monday 8th December 2025.
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• At this point, it will be 20.7° west of the Sun and best visible in the morning sky from the UK.
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• Best seen in the morning sky, rising about 90 minutes before sunrise ~ low in the eastern sky, just above the horizon (Mercury brightness ~ magnitude: -0.5).
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Moon, Jupiter & the constellation Gemini (The Twin)

• To recognize the constellation Gemini near the Moon and Jupiter.
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• At 22:00 / 10pm, look toward the east – you’ll see the Moon and just to its right, a bright, steady “star” that’s Jupiter, not a star but the largest planet in our solar system.
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• Gemini rises in the northeast-east and climbs higher through the night.
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• Amazing to see both celestial bodies together – a rare opportunity for observation or astrophotography!
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• Today, 5th December marks the start of the Geminid Meteor Shower, though it hasn’t yet reached its peak.
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• The night of peak activity will be on Saturday 13th thru Sunday 14th December 2025.
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Triangle of light – the Moon, Aldebaran, and the Seven Sisters (M45)

• Look at the east horizon – the Supermoon forms a triangle with the Seven Sisters and Aldebaran.
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• Many mistake Aldebaran for Mars but here’s how to tell – stars twinkle, planets don’t!”
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Cold Moon

• Cold Moon
  – Full Moon in December is often associated with long, and crisp nights before the solstice on 21st December.

• Traditional Full Moon Names and their Meanings
  – Full Moon names reflect seasonal changes and natural rhythms observed by early cultures, particularly those influenced by UK colonial traditions and Native American heritage.
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  – Learn more about traditional Full Moon Names and their Meanings ~ Read more.
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• This is one of the most striking lunar events of the year, as the Moon passes directly in front of the famous open star cluster in constellation Taurus.
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• Binoculars – best for casual observers, you’ll notice stars blinking out as the Moon’s limb moves across.
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Your guide to the night sky this month

(Click below the button for more information)

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Algol Minima

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• The bright variable star Beta Persei (Algol) reaches its minimum brightness at 19.55 pm in the evening on Thursday 27th November and will be visible from the UK.
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• Here’s a list of upcoming minimum brightness times for Algol – read more.

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