Mark your calendars! This Friday, the night sky will be graced by the dazzling Geminid meteor shower, one of the most reliable celestial events of the year.
The Geminids, active annually from December 4 to 20, reach their peak tonight with a zenith hourly rate of around 150 meteors, says Wang Kechao from Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences. \"Each year, the Geminid meteor shower is active roughly from December 4 to 20, with a zenith hourly rate generally stable around 150 during its peak. It's often regarded as the most consistent meteor shower of the year, never disappointing astronomy enthusiasts who wait for it,\" Wang explained.
Despite the nearly full moon tonight, which NASA notes may slightly reduce visibility, the Geminids remain a globally visible event due to their nearly 24-hour broad maximum. This makes it a perfect opportunity for skywatchers around the world to witness the beauty of shooting stars.
Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids come from the debris of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. When these space rocks enter Earth's atmosphere, the friction causes them to glow brightly, creating the stunning trails we see as meteors.
No special equipment is needed to enjoy this celestial show. For the best experience, find a dark spot away from city lights on a cloudless night, preferably between midnight and the early morning hours. Clear skies and minimal light pollution will enhance your chances of spotting more meteors.
Looking ahead, the next major meteor shower, the Ursids, will peak around December 22, promising more opportunities to gaze at the wonders of our universe.
Reference(s):
Save the date! Spectacular Geminid meteor shower to light up the sky
cgtn.com
