Thursday morning will mark the peak of the meteor shower frenzy, but Wednesday night promises a captivating cosmic display too.
This week, the Geminids, the most impressive meteor shower of the year, will showcase its peak, treating skygazers to the sight of one or two meteors streaking across the night sky every minute. Wednesday night will feature the annual Geminids cosmic spectacle, with the shower reaching its peak frenzy on Thursday morning.
While the majority of meteors exhibit a colorless or white appearance determined by their chemical composition, Geminids, as they race across the sky and disintegrate, display a distinctive greenish tint, as explained by NASA’s expert on meteoroids, Bill Cooke. The green color typically originates from the presence of oxygen, magnesium, and nickel.
Meteors come to life as Earth traverses a notably dense trail of rocky space debris. As this debris enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it incinerates, creating the luminous display of “shooting stars” that illuminates the sky. This debris originates from the sun-orbiting asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.
What is the best time to view the Geminids meteor shower?
NASA recommends starting your meteor watching around 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday evening. NASA states that the optimal viewing time is expected to be at 2 a.m. on Thursday, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
Where can I see the Geminid meteor shower?
To catch a glimpse of the fiery rocks, it’s essential to seek out the darkest location possible, as light pollution may render many of the fainter meteors invisible. Nevertheless, NASA anticipates that individuals in suburban areas might witness 60 to 120 meteors per hour at the peak time, with the exact count influenced by proximity to a city.
For optimal orientation, NASA recommends lying flat on your back with your feet directed south. Encourage observers to scan the entire sky, as meteors don’t have a specific point of origin and can appear from any direction.
Why do they call them the Geminids?
NASA explains that all meteors linked to a particular shower share similar orbits and seem to emanate from a specific point in the sky known as the radiant. The Geminids are named because they originate from the constellation Gemini.
When Will You See the Geminids for the Last Time?
The Geminids shower will continue its activity until December 24. NASA suggests that committed skywatchers might have the chance to catch a glimpse of one or two meteors on that night.
