Don't miss out on the Geminids meteor shower. Here's how you can observe it.
One of the most impressive meteor showers of the year is nearing its peak.
The Geminids are regarded as one of the most fruitful annual meteor showers, potentially showcasing up to 160 “shooting stars” per hour under optimal conditions.
This year's Geminid meteor shower will reach its peak during the night of Saturday, December 13, into Sunday, December 14 ET, making it an excellent time to begin preparations.
The meteor shower consists of debris from the 3200 Phaethon asteroid and is celebrated for its bright and colorful display. As Earth traverses this trail, the dust and small fragments ignite in our atmosphere, resulting in luminous streaks across the night sky.
“Most Geminids disintegrate 30-40 miles overhead, but there is an exceptionally small possibility that one might be substantial enough to create a brilliant fireball and leave small meteorites on the ground,” NASA mentions on its website. “To date, we have not discovered a Geminid meteorite, but there is always hope.”
This year’s Geminids meteor shower actually began in the middle of last month and will persist until December 24, but the majority of the activity will take place this upcoming weekend.
To catch the peak of the Geminids, look towards the eastern sky on the evening of Saturday, December 13, and into the early morning hours on Sunday.
How to achieve the best viewing experience:
– Check the weather forecast prior to heading out to ensure a cloud-free sky.
– Dress warmly and bring along a hot drink and snacks if you plan to stay outdoors for some time.
– Locate a dark area away from city lights, opting for a site that offers a wide view of the sky without obstruction from trees and buildings.
– Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to acclimate to the dark environment.
– Settle down on a blanket or bring a comfortable camping chair, facing east.
– Be patient, and soon you will begin to see the meteors streaking across the night sky.
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Don't miss out on the Geminids meteor shower. Here's how you can observe it.
The Geminids are regarded as one of the most prolific yearly meteor showers, potentially showing up to 160 “shooting stars” per hour under optimal conditions. This year, the peak of the Geminid meteor shower will occur on the night of Saturday, December 13, into Sunday, December 14, ET, making it an ideal time to begin preparations […]
