This week marks the peak of one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, with skywatchers potentially witnessing up to 120 shooting stars per hour, provided the conditions are clear. The Geminids meteor shower, which has been active since late November, is set to reach its zenith on Wednesday night into early Thursday.
Renowned as one of the finest and most consistent meteor displays annually, the Geminids offer a celestial spectacle that NASA describes as exceptional. In optimal conditions—clear skies and far from the interference of light pollution—observers may witness over one meteor per minute streaking across the night sky.
This year, minimal moonlight is expected to enhance the viewing experience of the colorful sky show, as noted by NASA. Geminid meteors are recognized for their brightness and speed, typically appearing in hues ranging from yellowish to white, and occasionally displaying green, red, or even blue tones.
Bill Cooke, the lead for the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, emphasized the distinctive greenish hue of Geminid meteors in a recent blog post, describing them as “pretty meteors.”
The meteor shower is visible worldwide, with the meteors appearing to emanate from the constellation Gemini, rising in the northeastern sky. To optimize the viewing experience, NASA recommends finding a vantage point away from city lights and other forms of light pollution, allowing observers to see as much of the sky as possible. Viewing is most effective when lying down or sitting back, with feet facing south.
To adjust to the dark, it is advisable to allow around 30 minutes for your eyes to acclimate. While meteors become visible around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. local time, those venturing out between midnight and 2 a.m. may witness an even more impressive display. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, this may involve bundling up to endure the chilly winter conditions.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through large clouds of debris left by comets or asteroids. As these particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they vaporize, creating fast-moving streaks of light across the night sky.
The Geminids originate from the remnants of an asteroid named 3200 Phaethon, which completes an orbit around the sun every 524 days. Discovered in 1983, this small space rock, measuring approximately 3.2 miles across, contributes to the ongoing display of the Geminids.
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While the Geminids peak this week, the meteor shower will continue to captivate observers until December 24, according to NASA.
