The Geminid meteor shower, this year’s brightest comet show, will peak on Friday and Saturday. It is extensively considered one of the vital spectacular and dependable annual meteor showers, sometimes reaching its peak in mid-December annually.
About Geminid meteor shower
The Geminid meteor shower is lively from November 19 to December 24, 2023, with its peak exercise occurring on December 14. During this peak, roughly 120 meteors could be seen per hour, touring at speeds of 79,000 mph (127,000 kph), or 22 miles per second (35 kilometers per second).
First noticed within the mid-1800s, the Geminid shower initially produced modest shows, with solely 10 to 20 meteors seen per hour. Over time, nevertheless, the Geminids have grown into one of the vital outstanding meteor showers of the yr. Under optimum situations, up to 120 Geminid meteors could be noticed per hour at its peak, with meteors identified for being brilliant, quick, and sometimes yellow in coloration.
When to watch
The Geminid meteor shower is greatest considered through the evening and predawn hours, with visibility worldwide due to its almost 24-hour peak. It offers a wonderful alternative for youthful viewers, because the shower begins round 9 or 10 pm.
Tips for watching
To see the Geminids, select a location away from metropolis or road lights. Dress warmly for winter temperatures and convey a sleeping bag, blanket, or garden chair. Lie flat in your again along with your toes going through south and lookup to absorb as a lot of the sky as doable. After about half-hour at nighttime, your eyes will regulate, and meteors will begin to seem. The show lasts till daybreak, supplying you with loads of time to benefit from the spectacle.
Origin of meteors
The Geminid meteor shower, identified for its brilliant streaks of sunshine, originates from the asteroid. 3200 Phaethonnot a comet like most meteor showers. Earth yearly passes by particles trails left by orbiting comets and asteroids. These particles deplete in Earth’s ambiance, creating the seen meteors.
3200 Phaethon orbits the Sun each 1.4 years. Scientists suppose it might be a “dead comet” or a “rock comet” due to its orbit. However, it lacks a cometary tail and resembles a rocky asteroid, making its classification unsure. The Geminid meteoroids, particles from Phaethon, are denser than typical cometary mud.
The Infrared Astronomical Satellite found 3200 Phaethon on October 11, 1983. Astronomer Fred Whipple recognized it because the Geminids’ supply. The asteroid’s title, Phaethon, comes from the Greek mythological determine who drove the Sun-god Helios’ chariot. This is due to the asteroid’s shut proximity to the Sun. Phaethon’s diameter is barely 3.17 miles (5.10 kilometers).
The Geminids seem to originate from the constellation geminitherefore the shower’s title. This level known as the radiant. While Gemini helps find the shower, the meteors are seen throughout the entire evening sky.
Representative picture (Picture credit score: AP)
