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Geminids Meteor Shower (Patreon)
Content
Did you know that there is a meteor shower going on right now called the Geminids Meteor Shower? Keep reading to find out more information!
When Is the Geminid Meteor Shower?
The Geminids occur every year from about December 4 to 16, peaking the night of December 13 into the morning of December 14. This is the shower’s “maximum”—the time when the most meteors fall per hour. Given that the Geminid meteor shower is the most active shower of the year, expect to see an average of 75 meteors per hour during the Geminids’ peak! The show typically starts as early as 9 P.M., peaks around 2 A.M., and lasts into the morning hours of the next day.
In 2020, we have an even more spectacular show to look forward to, as the New Moon on December 14 graces us with extra-dark skies that will make stars and meteors truly pop.
What Is the Geminid Meteor Shower?
The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year! They streak through the sky every minute or two all night.
It is unique because the meteors are visible all night long, since the constellation Gemini arises just an hour or two after nightfall. Most meteor showers require you to wait until midnight or pre-dawn for the best viewing.
The constellation Gemini is the radiant of the Geminid meteor shower, which means that it is the meteor shower’s point of origin. The Geminid meteors will appear to fall away from the constellation Gemini.
Geminid meteors can be seen all night long because Gemini rises so early, though Gemini is at its highest point (offering optimal viewing) around 2 A.M. However, because the sun sets so early in December, the meteor shower is usually in full swing by 9 P.M.
Viewing Tips for the Geminid Meteor Shower
Geminids offer one of the best meteor showers of the year, and they are perfect for kids who can’t keep their eyes open until midnight when other meteor showers begin. For those who like to go to bed early, the meteor shower should start around 9 P.M. The viewing will be better as the night goes on—peaking around 2 A.M.—so maybe it’ll captivate you enough to become a temporary night owl!
Unfortunately, due to the December timing, the Geminids are sometimes clouded out by a snowstorm. Keep your fingers crossed that the skies stay clear, and check our long range weather forecast to plan ahead.
As with any meteor shower, it is best to find a place far away from man-made lights. This can be tough in December when you want to stay close to warm shelter, so try to find a friend who lives out in the country. Obviously you’ll need to bundle up for the winter weather, but we recommend making yourself some hot chocolate and cuddling up for a cheap but spectacular date. Try getting into sleeping bags on a reclining chair to stay extra cozy.
The meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but you’ll have the best luck by gazing at whatever part of the sky is darkest at your location. Though it might be tempting, avoid using binoculars or a telescope. It is better to look at the whole sky than a tiny part of it, and your eyes will automatically move toward any motion up above. Avoid looking at your cell phone or other lights during the meteor shower, as this will hurt your night vision.
As mentioned above, the shower is best when the Moon is absent, but if it happens to be around, try to face away from it when looking for meteors. Its light pollution will affect the whole sky, but viewing will be worse closer to the Moon.
Although it peaked on Sunday through Monday, the peak of year's best meteor shower tends to be more generous and long-lasting than most. So get outside tonight and you'll likely see—under dark, clear skies—some “shooting stars.”
Fingers crossed that the Geminid meteor shower isn’t a snow day this year! Be sure to tell us about your meteor shower experience below.
Sources:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.almanac.com/content/what-are-geminids-geminid-meteor-shower%3famp
