Tenerife Set for Stellar December Sky Events
Tenerife is set to be a premier destination for December's numerous celestial events, offering unparalleled views of meteor showers, planetary alignments, and lunar phases from its clear, high-altitude locations.
December is packed with amazing sky events, making Tenerife one of the best places on Earth to see them. Thanks to its clear skies, the high altitude of Teide National Park, and many stargazing spots, the island offers a special chance for both beginners and experienced sky-watchers to enjoy the show.
Throughout December, the Moon will take center stage multiple times. It will also coincide with two meteor showers, the Geminids and the Ursids, and some impressive planetary alignments that you can see without any special gear.
The celestial calendar begins on December 5th with a Full Moon, which will light up Tenerife's sky from early evening. Great spots like the viewpoints of Chío, La Fortaleza, or the Samara area will provide excellent views as it rises.
Just two days later, on December 7th, the Moon will appear close to Jupiter, which is the brightest planet visible during winter nights. You can see this alignment with your bare eyes from almost anywhere on the island, but Las Cañadas will offer the best views.
The Moon's journey continues with the Waning Quarter on the 11th, the New Moon on the 20th, and the Waxing Quarter on the 27th. These dates are ideal for anyone looking for very dark skies or wanting to try astrophotography. Places like Montaña Guajara, Izaña, or around Vilaflor are perfect for this.
The biggest sky show of December will happen on the night of the 13th into the 14th, when the Geminid meteor shower is at its peak. This shower is known as one of the year's most intense, potentially delivering over 120 meteors per hour if the skies are clear. In Tenerife, the best place to enjoy it is the natural darkness of Teide National Park. Here, you'll be able to see bright streaks across the sky in all directions, especially when you look northeast towards the constellation Gemini.
The sky events continue with the Ursid meteor shower, peaking on the nights of December 21st and 22nd. While not as plentiful as the Geminids, the Ursids can produce some very bright, individual meteors. The high-altitude areas of Izaña and Guajara are excellent spots for anyone hoping to catch these flashes.
Also on December 21st, we'll experience the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Sunrises from Benijo, Punta del Hidalgo, or Las Teresitas will be especially beautiful, with the sun appearing over the winter horizon.
The month wraps up with an event for early birds: the Moon and Saturn will appear close together at dawn on December 26th. From the high mountain skies of Izaña or around El Portillo, you'll get a very clear view of this apparent meeting between the planet and the Moon.
Tenerife is known worldwide for its excellent night sky and is home to important scientific facilities like the Teide Observatory. The island is set for a year-end full of astronomical events that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you have a telescope or not, December is an invitation to look up and appreciate the sky, which on this island is considered both a natural and cultural treasure.