The Geminid meteor shower is set to put on a show in the night sky this December, offering stargazers a beautiful display of 'shooting stars'.
The annual event is caused by debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon and to peak on the night of Tuesday the 13th into the early morning hours of Wednesday the 14th.
as many as 120 meteors per hour, making it one of the most active and dazzling meteor showers of the year. During the peak of the meteor shower, stargazers can expect to see
The Geminids are known for their bright and colorful displays, with many of the shooting stars appearing in shades of green, yellow, and blue.
Best place to look? Everywhere!
The best time to view the meteor shower is during the hours just before dawn, when the sky is at its darkest.
To maximize your viewing experience, it's important to find a location away from city lights and to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark.
In addition to the Geminids, stargazers may also have the opportunity to see other celestial objects during the night of the meteor shower.
Jupiter and Mars will be visible in the southwestern and eastern sky providing a beautiful contrast to the shooting stars.
The moon will be in its crescent phase generating some light pollution, but the forecast for many areas is predicting clear skies so they will be easier to see and more vibrant.
If you are planning on viewing the Geminid meteor shower, be sure to dress warmly and bring along some hot cocoa or coffee to keep you cozy.
Laying out under the stars is a great way to view a meteor shower. A deck chair and sleeping bag to lie on after dark outside will make the experience more enjoyable.
The show will begin around 9:00 pm and will continue until dawn, so be prepared for a long, but rewarding, night of stargazing.
The Geminids give us a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and power of our universe in an easy way.
So grab your blankets and chairs, and head out on to experience the wonder of the night sky and the 2022 Geminids.
Enjoy the show!
