• The very thin waxing crescent moon and planet Mars appear but briefly after sunset on Friday, December 14, 2012. Want to spot Mars? You'll have to look toward an unobstructed horizon as soon

as the sun goes down. The moon and Mars won't be visible for long after sunset. Binoculars may help.

• Then, as the sky darkens, and assuming you have binoculars, aim them at the constellation Orion to see if you can spot the Great Orion Nebula. Orion will rise in the east by 7 to 8 p.m. tonight - after the thin waxing crescent moon and Mars have set in the southwest. If you sweep through Orion with binoculars, you will surely notice the hazy region in the Sword of Orion.
• Bottom line: Look for the moon and Mars shortly after sunset on December 14, 2012. Then turn your gaze to the Orion Nebula, a great region of starbirth, visible on these cold December nights. Although you can usually pick out the nebula from city skies, from a truly dark location the Orion Nebula's beauty is genuinely awe-inspiring!
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