Get ready for one of the year's best meteor showers! The annual Geminids meteor shower peaks this week, promising a stunning spectacle of around 120 shooting stars per hour.
Reliable Cosmic Show
NASA considers the Geminids to be one of the most reliable meteor showers. Active since late November, it reaches its zenith Wednesday night into early Thursday. Ideal conditions, clear skies, and distance from light pollution can reveal over a meteor per minute.
Ideal Viewing Conditions
This year, minimal moonlight means optimal conditions for skywatchers. Geminids are known for their brightness and speed, appearing yellowish or white, with occasional hues of green, red, and blue.
Practical Tips for Skywatching
To catch the best view, find a dark spot away from city lights. Lie down or sit with your feet facing south, allowing for an unobstructed view of the sky. Give your eyes around 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Meteoric Origins
Geminids originate from debris left by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, a 3.2-mile-wide space rock discovered in 1983. Despite peaking this week, the meteor shower will continue until Dec. 24. Don't miss this cosmic show!