December 2016 Skywatch: Video Guide The lovely Geminid meteor shower lights up the mid-December night sky

Two prominent constellations in the December night sky represent notable individuals of ancient Greek mythology.

The great hero Perseus holds the head of Medusa the Gorgon. Queen Cassiopeia was punished for her conceit and vanity by being tied to her throne. Cassiopeia’s “M” or “W” shape makes this constellation easy to identify.

The mid-December night sky hosts the lovely Geminid meteor shower. The shower peaks on the night of December 13th to the 14th.

This year, however, a full moon interferes, making dim meteors hard to see.