Geminid Meteor Shower Will Light Up The Skies This Week The Geminid Meteor Shower will be visible this week – and astronomers say it’ll be quite the show this year. The annual shower will peak Wednesday night, with up to 120 meteors per hour. Because it coincides with a New Moon, this year’s shower will be even easier to spot.

 

To have the best experience while observing the Geminids, consider the following tips:

  1. Find a Dark Sky Location:
    • Choose a location away from city lights and light pollution. Dark sky areas provide the best viewing conditions.
  2. Check the Peak Night:
    • The Geminids usually peak around mid-December. Check the specific dates for the current year, as meteor shower intensity can vary.
  3. Timing is Key:
    • The best time to observe the Geminids is during the predawn hours when the radiant point (the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate) is high in the sky.
  4. Dress Warmly:
    • Meteor showers can be chilly, especially during the winter months. Dress in layers and bring blankets to stay warm.
  5. Bring Comfortable Seating:
    • Consider bringing a reclining chair or a blanket to lie on. This will help you relax and enjoy the show without straining your neck.
  6. Use Red Lights:
    • Red lights are less likely to disturb your night vision compared to white lights. This will help you maintain optimal visibility when observing the meteors.
  7. Avoid Moonlight:
    • Check the moon phase for the night of the meteor shower. A bright moon can significantly reduce visibility, so try to choose a night with minimal moonlight.
  8. Use Apps or Sky Maps:
    • Consider using astronomy apps or sky maps to help you identify the radiant point (Gemini constellation) and locate other celestial objects.
  9. Patience is Key:
    • Meteor showers can be unpredictable, and there might be periods of lull between meteor bursts. Be patient and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
  10. Capture the Moment:
    • If you enjoy photography, bring a camera and tripod to capture long-exposure shots of the night sky. Use a wide-angle lens and a low ISO setting for the best results.

Popular locations for stargazing and meteor shower observation include:

  • National parks or designated dark sky parks
  • Remote areas away from city lights
  • Hilltops or elevated locations with a clear view of the sky

Remember to check the weather forecast for the night of the meteor shower, and be prepared to travel a bit if necessary to find optimal viewing conditions.