The Geminid meteor shower. The Earth's inhabitants will see a real space show: how and when to look up to the sky
From November 19 to December 24, bright flashes from the Geminid meteor shower can be seen in the night sky. However, the peak of this meteor shower will be from December 13 to 14.
Despite the fact that the full moon will be in the sky at this time, this will not prevent you from seeing the space show. After all, many Geminid meteors are very bright, EarthSky writes.
According to astronomers, on the peak night of December 14, 120 Geminid meteors per hour will be visible in the sky. And even a few days before and after this date, you will be able to enjoy a plentiful starfall.
A composite image of the Geminid shower.
Source: Ian Curtis
There are so many meteors that they may even rival the August Perseids, researchers say.
The Full Moon will rival the Geminids in 2024, scientists say. But fortunately, it won't be able to completely spoil the meteor shower. According to experts, this meteor shower is very bright.
Astronomers emphasize that the bold, white, bright Geminids give us some of the best rain in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in years when there is no Moon. They are also visible from the Southern Hemisphere, but in smaller numbers.
The 2024 Geminid meteor shower as seen above the Earth's surface.
Source: Diagram by Guy Ottewell
The biggest feature of the December meteor shower is its origin. Unlike most meteor showers, which are the result of comets, the Geminids are born from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.
"Geminids, which come from an asteroid rather than a comet, should contain rock-sized pieces that burn up in the atmosphere. They are often bright and leave no traces," said astronomer Guy Ottewell.
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