The most anticipated meteor shower of the year, the Geminids, is poised to reach its peak this weekend, providing a spectacular celestial display. The celestial activity is scheduled to commence on Sunday and extend until December 24, with varying intensity.
According to NASA, the Geminids will culminate around December 13 and December 14, although they may still be observable during the preceding weekend under suitable viewing conditions.
Key Details about the Geminid Meteor Shower:
Meteor showers generally occur when Earth traverses debris trails left by comets and other celestial bodies, producing colorful lights known as meteors upon atmospheric entry. Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminids don’t originate from a comet but rather from an asteroid.
Scientists attribute the origin of the Geminids to the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which broke apart due to the stresses of rotation, ejecting vast amounts of dust and debris into the solar system.
The Geminid meteor shower traces its beginnings to the mid-1800s when only 10 to 20 meteors were visible per hour. Over time, it has evolved into a major meteor shower, peaking with up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
Geminid Meteor Shower 2023: Peak Timing and Visibility:
The Geminids are active from now until December 24, with peak activity anticipated between December 13 and 14, as per the American Meteor Society. These meteors are characterized by their brightness and high speed, making them one of the year’s premier cosmic spectacles. If weather conditions permit, they may also be visible on Sunday, November 26.
Optimal viewing times for the shower are during the night and predawn hours, typically starting around 9:00 or 10:00 pm UTC, according to NASA. Additionally, the Geminid meteor shower is visible globally, adding to its allure.
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