The angle is important because a higher moon pours light more directly down, concentrating onto smaller pieces of ground. As for Mars, the fourth planet will not be at its closest approach to Earth, despite being at opposition. Mars' closest approach was back on December 18 when it was 55 million miles (88 million km) away. This isn't particularly close for a Mars opposition, since Mars is also approaching the furthest point in its orbit from the sun. If neither Mars nor the moon is supplying enough action for your Christmas Eve sky, Stanley suggests getting out earlier in the evening. "If you go out right after sunset you are going to see satellites and one or two shooting stars," Stanley told Discovery News. It's best to be patient and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, she said, or you'll miss the show. If your eyes are really sharp and well adjusted to the dark, who knows? You might even spot a sleigh and eight reindeer zipping across the evening sky. Related Links: |
advertisement
Put Discovery News On Your Site!
|
-
our sites
-
video
mobile
-
shop
-
stay connected
-
corporate
