Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks This Month
Mark your calendars, as the Geminid meteor shower is set to peak in mid-December. This celestial event, considered the year’s best meteor shower, can produce a spectacular display of up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions. However, with the presence of a nearly full moon this year, meteor visibility may be reduced to 10-20 visible meteors per hour.
Optimal Viewing Times
The best time to watch for these shooting stars is expected to occur from the evening of December 13 into the pre-dawn hours of December 14. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, stargazers may still catch some meteors throughout the evening of December 14 as well.
Understanding the Geminids
This unique meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Unlike most meteor showers that are the result of comets, the Geminids are predominantly composed of rocky fragments.
Why Geminids Shine Bright
The meteors often display a wide range of colors due to the presence of metal elements, producing an array of hues including white, yellow, and hints of blue and red. Each meteor streaks through the sky at speeds ranging from 18 to 22 miles per second, creating impressive light shows that are visible from virtually anywhere.
Fun Facts About the Geminids
- The Geminids were first discovered in 1862.
- This meteor shower is expected to be active until December 17.
- The name ‘Geminids’ is derived from the constellation Gemini, where the meteors appear to originate.
Although light pollution can diminish viewing, anyone interested in experiencing this event should find a dark place away from city lights and look upwards!
