Geminid Meteor shower peaks: A celestial spectacle you can’t miss; All you need to know
Geminid meteor shower, one of the year’s most spectacular cosmic events, is set to peak on December 14-15, 2024. Known for its bright and fast streaks of light, this shower can produce up to 120 meteors per hour under perfect conditions. However, the near-full moon during the peak may reduce visibility, allowing for about 15 meteors per hour in most areas.
This celestial show is unique as it originates from an asteroid rather than a comet, adding an extra layer of intrigue for stargazers. Viewing opportunities are available worldwide, with clear skies offering the best chance to experience the spectacle.
What Are the Geminids?
The Geminid meteor shower is a reliable annual phenomenon that has grown in prominence since its discovery in the mid-19th century. Originally producing only 10-20 meteors per hour, it has evolved into one of the most robust meteor showers, with bright, fast meteors often displaying a yellow hue.
Unlike most meteor showers that stem from comets, the Geminids originate from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, a rocky object that orbits the Sun every 1.4 years. This asteroid, discovered by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite in 1983, was identified by astronomer Fred Whipple as the source of the Geminids. Phaethon’s unusual characteristics—such as lacking a cometary tail but behaving like a «rock comet»—make it a subject of scientific fascination.
The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, giving the shower its name. While the radiant helps locate the event in the sky, the meteors
