The spectacular Geminid Meteor Shower, which comes as regular as clockwork at this time of year, peaks on Sunday and Monday, the 13th and 14th of December, according to Britain’s Met Office, which says stargazers will enjoy the show of at least 50 meteors per hour brightly whizzing across the sky. NASA in the United States claims that up to 120 are visible at peak times. Earth, as it always does at this time of year, is going through the trail of debris left by the Palladian asteroid 3200 Phatheon, which was discovered by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite on 11th October, 1983. When rocks are combusted in Earth’s atmosphere, this debris trail creates the Geminid Meteor Shower. The Genimids and the Quadrantids are the only meteor showers that originate from asteroids, unlike most meteor showers. Asteroids’ debris is very gritty and rocky, making them easier to spot with the naked eye. The Geminid Meteor Shower, which occurs in December every year is one of the most active meteor showers. This skyscape captures many beautiful Geminid shooting stars. It was taken near the December 2012, peak. This careful compilation of exposures was taken over a three-hour period, looking out at the Dashanbao Wetlands in central China. (Image: http://apod.nasa.gov) Amateur astronomers love the Geminids because they streak vividly across the sky at about 35 kilometres per second (22 mps) annually at about the same time. Astronomers believe the intensity of this shower increases each year. Geminid Meteor shower difficult to miss To see the spectacular, you don’t need to look up to locate Gemini. They will shine brightly across the sky, even though they start in that constellation. They are hard to miss! They can be seen almost anywhere in the sky at night, usually with a yellowish tint. If you plan to spend the night outdoors or lying down on a December night, you’ll need warm clothing. You will only need sharp eyes and clear skies. The Met Office states that the Geminid meteor Shower will be visible from December 4th through December 31st. To see the Geminids at their best, you should be able to observe them between sunset and sunrise. Stargazers must look for clear skies in order to catch a glimpse. It is best to avoid light pollution. The Geminids are a constellation of the zodiac. Claudius Phtolemy, a Greco Egyptian writer, poet, mathematician and astronomer, described it as one of the 48 constellations. The name means “twins” in Latin and it is often associated with twins Pollux (Greek mythology) and Castor (Latin). (Image: science.nasa.gov) According to NASA, the Geminid Meteor Shower will peak during daylight on December 14th. However, you can still enjoy a super show on the nights of the 13th and 14th, from about 9pm to 10pm. According to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Geminids first appeared in 1862.. They were only able to see ten- twenty meteors an hour at that point, which was not a very impressive event. They have become one the biggest night-sky spectacles of the year and their intensity has increased. Tips for viewing the Geminid Meteor shower Because of their almost 24- hour broad limit, they can be seen all over the world. Geminid Meteor Shower is not caused by a comet like other major meteor showers. (Image: UK Met Office) The show is a great opportunity for young budding astronomers, because it occurs not too late in the evening, from 9pm to 10pm. It is better to find a location away from the city or streets. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory offers the following tips for amateur astronomers. You should search the sky for meteors once you have reached your location. Within 30 minutes your eyes will adjust to the darkness and you’ll start to see meteors. It will be much easier to focus your eyes on the night sky from a ground pad or reclining seat. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said: “Donate your telescope and binoculars. Either reduces your ability to see the entire sky at once, decreasing the chances that you will see any other than darkness. Let your eyes wander and not focus on one spot. You’ll see more meteors if you have relaxed eyes. Do not look at your phone, or other lights. They can ruin night vision.” From 500 to 5 times as much dust and rocks is found in the Geminid stream than other meteor showers. Met Office Video – Geminid Meteor Shower This Met Office video was released last year, when December 13th and 14th fell on Saturday & Sunday. This year, December 13th and 14th fall on Sunday & Monday.
