The Year's Best Meteor Shower Is Here, And The Geminids Are Better Than Ever
“This year, at the peak of the Geminids, the Moon will be a waning crescent, not even rising until well after midnight. Even when it does, it will be thin enough and far enough away from the origin of the Geminids that you'll still have a spectacular show. If you have dark, cloudless skies, you should be able to see up to two or three meteors per minute once the sky reaches full darkness this year. While the cold snaps affecting much of the country might make it a little unpleasant to be outside for too long, it also provides the best viewing conditions for the night sky. This year, you won't want to pass up the opportunity.”
Every year, there are two meteor showers reliably worth checking out if the conditions are favorable: August’s Perseids and December’s Geminids. This year, with the Moon in a waning crescent phase and with clear skies anticipated across most of the country, the Geminids just might shape up to be spectacular. Created by the debris of asteroid 3200 Phaethon, the Geminids are a relatively young shower at under 200 years, and they continue to get more spectacular over time, peaking at over 150 meteors per hour the last few years. There’s an incredible scientific story behind where these showers come from, and an incredible show to be had if you can find clear, dark skies. The year’s best meteor shower is here, with the peak coming in just a few days.
Come find out how to get the most out of your Geminid experience, Don’t pass up the opportunity to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows!
