Stargazers in Hays are in for a treat this December, as the night skies come alive with meteor showers and the possibility of a rare auroral display. With the long nights of winter providing the perfect backdrop, locals can enjoy some of nature’s most beautiful phenomena to close out the year.

The highlight of the month will be the Geminid meteor shower, peaking on the night of Dec. 13 into the early hours of Dec. 14. Known as one of the most reliable and prolific meteor showers, the Geminids could produce up to 120 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. With the moon setting early that evening, viewers can expect a dark sky perfect for spotting shooting stars. Residents are advised to head to areas with minimal light pollution, such as the Hays City Sportsman Park, for the best viewing experience.

Adding to the excitement is the possibility of northern lights, or auroras, visible in Kansas due to heightened solar activity. Forecasters have noted that recent solar storms could push the auroral oval farther south than usual. If conditions align, Kansans may catch a glimpse of these ethereal green and red lights across the northern horizon, particularly in darker, rural areas.

The celestial event continues Dec. 21, with the winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. While not an astronomical event to observe directly, the solstice is an excellent opportunity for stargazing as the early sunset provides more hours of darkness.

Finally, the year wraps up with the Ursid meteor shower, peaking on Dec. 22-23. Although less intense than the Geminids, this shower offers a cool display with five to 10 meteors per hour. It is best to see when there is little to no light pollution.

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe, December promises beautiful celestial events.

25ebittel@usd489.com