On a chilly evening, braving the cold in your heavy winter gear could be well worth it to witness one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year: the Geminids. Beginning on December 4 and reaching its peak on the night of December 13-14, this shower has the potential to dazzle with up to 150 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.
Renowned meteor astronomer Peter Brown from Western University in London, Ont., expressed excitement for this year’s Geminids, highlighting the convenience of the peak falling on the 13th and 14th, over the weekend.
Unlike last year when a bright full moon overshadowed the meteor display, this year’s waning crescent moon will rise in the early morning, allowing for better visibility without hindrance. Urban viewers may catch a glimpse of fireballs – bright meteors visible even from cities, although those in darker areas will have the advantage of spotting fainter meteors obscured by light pollution.
A unique feature of the Geminids is their early-evening appearance, starting relatively early each night. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, making it easy to trace their origin in the night sky.
The Geminids originate from debris shed by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, creating a stunning celestial display annually. While Earth experiences a visual treat, the moon encounters actual impacts as it lacks a protective atmosphere, allowing debris to collide with its surface, forming craters of varying sizes.
Monitoring lunar impacts from Geminids is crucial, especially with plans for human missions to the moon under NASA’s Artemis program. If clouds obstruct your view on December 13-14, additional opportunities to witness the Geminids await, with Sunday night offering favorable viewing as the moon’s illumination decreases.
To make the most of your meteor-watching experience, ensure a comfortable seating arrangement, seek a dark location, refrain from using electronic devices to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and most importantly, exercise patience as nature’s spectacle unfolds.