When the Earth enters its orbit after the passage of one of the comets, we have the opportunity to observe a spectacular show of luminous meteors in the sky. The phenomenon is called a meteor shower, and its most famous example is the Perseids, which occur every year in August. However, December is also a great opportunity to look at the sky.
A great opportunity to look at the sky. The Geminids are coming
Especially since this year’s Perseids were definitely not great, and the approaching Geminids are one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year. The Geminids are the result of the passage of the asteroid (or rock comet) Phaethon, which every 1.43 years comes closer to the Sun at a distance of only 0.14 astronomical units (it is then more than twice closer than Mercury at perihelion, i.e. at the point in its orbit that is closest to the Sun). The asteroid, heated to enormous temperatures, “loses” tons of stones and rock fragments in its orbit – we call them a meteoroid shower – which then fall into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Our planet has already followed Phaethon on December 4, so the Geminid meteor shower is theoretically already underway. The best opportunity to see it, however, falls on the night of December 13-14. The activity of the shower is estimated at approximately 120-130 meteors per hour, which is much higher than in the case of the Perseids (approx. 100). In addition, meteors are clearly visible from the latitudes where Poland is located. The Geminids are less known mainly because December nights in our country do not encourage staring at the sky.
However, it is worth devoting at least a moment, because the upcoming phenomenon may be – provided the weather cooperates – one of the most interesting this year. Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself only to the nights from Wednesday to Thursday. The next few nights may also be a good opportunity to observe, because – although it will be after the maximum – we can still expect significant Geminid activity. The swarm can be observed until December 17.
How to observe meteors and where to look for them?
Meteors and fireballs from the Geminids shower should appear in the sky before 18 directly above the northeastern horizon. Over time, the radiant (this is where meteors seem to “fly out”) will get higher and higher on the horizon, and in the middle of the night it will be very high in the sky (about 70 degrees above the horizon). We should look for meteors in the constellation Gemini, near the star Castor, which is visible from Earth with the naked eye.
The next night will be a good opportunity for observation, because the Moon is currently new, which means that it will not negatively affect the visibility of even weaker meteors in the sky. It is also worth remembering that we do not need any astronomical equipment to observe meteors. Luminous traces are best visible with the naked eye or in photos taken with a long exposure time.
Source: Gazeta
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