The holiday season is upon us, but one celestial event outshines them all – the Geminid meteor shower. Nicknamed the “900-pound gorilla of meteor showers,” this annual spectacle boasts massive dust streams that dwarf others, making it easier to spot shooting stars.
Active from November 19 to December 24, the Geminids peak on the night of December 13-14, with the best viewing time around 2 am local time. Up to 120 meteors can be seen in the sky during this hour, but a near-full moon may slightly reduce visibility.
Unlike most meteor showers, which originate from comets, the Geminids are caused by debris from a near-Earth asteroid called Phaethon. As Earth passes through this debris every year, tiny particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating shooting stars.
Viewing Tips:
* Dress warmly and stay away from city lights
* Be patient – it takes 10-15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness
* Bring binoculars or a camera to capture the display
Witness the Geminid meteor shower’s spectacular display in the Northern Hemisphere, which can also be seen from parts of the Southern Hemisphere. For those brave enough to venture out on a cold winter night, get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Source: https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/5/get-ready-for-the-geminid-meteor-shower-next-week