Geminids Meteor Shower: A Spectacular Celestial Event
The Geminids, a meteor shower that presents a stunning display of 'shooting stars', is set to reach its peak on the night of December 13-14. Under ideal weather circumstances, which are seldom available, the Geminids can generate about 100-150 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, a waning gibbous moon this year may reduce visibility, with an expected 30-40 meteors per hour visible at the peak in the Northern Hemisphere, depending on sky conditions. However, the brightness of these meteors ensures a remarkable show (the 'new' Moon will not interfere with observations).
Uncovering the Details: Speed, Origin, and Visibility
Geminids meteors blaze across the sky at an astonishing speed of about 125,000 kilometers per hour—over 40 times faster than a speeding bullet. Yet, they're unlikely to make it to the ground, usually burning out between 70 and 85 kilometers altitude. These meteors originate from 3200 Phaethon, an extinct asteroid or comet. As Earth passes through the dust and fragments left in Phaethon's wake, they ignite in our atmosphere, resulting in the meteor shower. It's called the "Geminids" as the meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini. The radiant, the point in the sky from which they seem to emanate, is beautifully captured in the image below.
The Peak and How to Observe
The shower is expected to peak at 2 a.m. on December 14, with the following days also promising good viewing conditions. To fully enjoy this celestial spectacle, all you need is your naked eye and an app to locate the constellation Gemini (Sky Tonight, Celestial Map, Stellarium, etc...). We, at FreeAstroScience, wish you clear skies and a memorable observation.
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