December offers Limerick stargazers some spectacular celestial treats

AS we approach the final month of 2025, December offers stargazers some spectacular celestial treats, along with a chance to remember one of astronomy's pioneering women.
The highlight of December's night sky is undoubtedly the Geminid meteor shower, peaking on December 14. Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids come from an asteroid called Phaethon, giving them unique characteristics. These meteors are denser and slower-moving than typical shooting stars, and the brightest ones often fragment into multiple luminous pieces as they streak across the sky. With rates reaching up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, it's one of the year's most reliable shows. Best of all, it's active before midnight, so you won't need to stay up until the wee hours to enjoy it.

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For those willing to brave the late December chill, the Ursid meteor shower peaks on December 22. While more modest with 5-10 meteors per hour, it offers a quieter, more contemplative viewing experience.
December 11 marks the birthday of Annie Jump Cannon, born in 1863. This remarkable astronomer became known as the "census taker of the sky" after classifying an astonishing 225,000 stars. She developed the Harvard Spectral Classification System that astronomers still use today, organizing stars from the hottest blue O-type stars to the coolest red M-type stars. Remember the mnemonic "Oh! Be A Fine Girl/Guy – Kiss Me!" She was also the first woman to receive an honorary degree from Oxford University, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
So bundle up, look skyward, and perhaps spare a thought for the dedicated women who mapped the stars above us.
The Limerick Astronomy Club meets monthly on the first Thursday of every month, in Mary Immaculate College, Room 202 at 8pm. We'd love to welcome you and embark on this cosmic journey together. Reach out to us at limerickastronomyclub@gmail.com for more info