The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year. It occurs annually in December, and this year, it will peak on the night of December 13-14. If you’re an amateur astronomer who loves to learn about the universe, the Geminid meteor shower is a must-see event.
Geminid meteor shower December 2023
Geminid meteor shower December 2023: A Beginner's Guide to the Celestial Event
What are meteor showers?
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the debris field left behind by a comet. As the debris hits Earth’s atmosphere, it burns up, creating streaks of light in the night sky. The Geminid meteor shower is unique because it is caused by the debris from a rocky asteroid, 3200 Phaethon.
When and where to see the Geminid meteor shower in December 2023
The Geminid meteor shower is best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere. However, it can also be seen in the Southern Hemisphere, although the view will not be as good. The shower gets its name from the constellation Gemini, as the meteors appear to radiate from a point near the bright star Castor in Gemini. The Geminids are unique because they are one of the few major meteor showers not associated with a comet but rather with an asteroid.
Image credit – https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/geminid-meteor-shower-rw-cephei-fades/
When to see Geminid meteor shower in December 2023
Active: December 4th to December 20th, 2023
Peak: December 13th to 14th, 2023 (morning hours)
What to expect from Geminid meteor shower in December 2023
- Up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak!
- Fast, bright, and colorful streaks of light
- Best viewed under dark skies, away from city lights
Where to look:
- Meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, near the bright star Castor.How
- ever, you don’t need to look directly at the radiant to see them. You can see them anywhere in the night sky.
Tips for viewing the Geminid meteor shower
- Dress warmly. It can get cold at night, so be sure to dress in warm clothes.
- Bring a blanket or chair. You’ll be lying down for a while, so you’ll want to be comfortable.
- Be patient. It may take a while to see your first meteor.
- Don’t look directly at the radiant. The radiant is the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to radiate. It is located in the constellation Gemini.
- Look for meteors all over the sky. You don’t have to look directly at the radiant to see them.
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