It’s a busy month in Earth’s sky. At the top of everyone’s mind is Comet ISON (C/2012 S1), which could be magnificent both after dusk and before dawn. But don’t pass on the many bright planets visible these long nights. Venus outshines every object except the Sun and Moon, making it impossible to miss on December evenings. Jupiter gleams almost all night as it approaches its peak in early January. And mornings favorably show off Mercury, Mars, and Saturn.
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