The planets are stunning in December 2024 — and no telescope is needed

You don't need a telescope to admire the majesty of our planetary neighborhood.

Planets like Jupiter and Venus reflect bounties of light from the sun — and unlike stars, the vivid planets don't twinkle. These beacons are among the brightest objects in the sky, and December 2024 provides excellent viewing opportunities (when the fickle clouds behave, that is).

"This month, Venus dazzles as the 'Evening Star,' Jupiter reaches its brightest for the year, and the Geminid meteor shower...