Wishing upon a star! When will Geminids meteor shower peak and how to watch the dazzling celestial event
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: Mid-December is regarded as one of the greatest and most consistent times of year for meteor showers. Around this time every year, the Geminids meteor shower peaks and is usually one of the best, with occasionally hundreds of meteors skittering across the sky. Gemini, a constellation in the sky, gave its name to the magnificent sky display. Gemini gets its name from the way that meteors appear to come from it, according to NASA.
For those who are unaware, the meteor shower is known as the Geminids because it appears as though the meteors are coming from the constellation Gemini. Numerous meteors collide in one constellation, giving the impression that it is where they are coming from. One of the brightest meteor showers can be seen with the unaided human eye without the need for specialized gear.
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When will the Geminids meteor shower peak?
The Geminids meteor shower has already started, but the best viewing will be from Tuesday, December 13, night through early Wednesday, December 14 morning. Up to 100 meteors per hour are possible during this time, with an average of 30 to 40 per hour.
PASS IT ON: The Geminids Meteor Shower peaks Tuesday night through the predawn hours of December 14th. Up to 100 meteors will be possible per hour! #MeteorShower #Space pic.twitter.com/UVtWBDWpgH
— Mark Tarello (@mark_tarello) December 10, 2022
The meteor shower should begin between 9 and 10 pm CT on Tuesday, December 13, with some of the greatest viewing expected around 2 am CT on Wednesday, December 14, according to NASA. The shower is expected to peak at 6 am CT on Wednesday, December 14, but even if you don't want to stay up that late, you should still be able to see dazzling meteors flash across the sky.
How to watch the Geminids meteor shower?
Gaining distance from light pollution is one of the best ways to get the most out of your meteor shower watching. This implies that in order to have a broad, gloomy view of the sky, you might have to stay in your home's shadow or venture a little outside of your neighborhood. As it rises in the east-northeast during the waning gibbous phase of the moon, there may be some concerns with natural light pollution, so simply be sure to get a clear view of the sky that faces away from the moon. Laying on your back with your feet pointed south and your head straight up is advised by NASA.
Patience is another essential quality. Your eyes may need more than 20 minutes to become used to the darkness, so you should prepare to spend at least an hour outside. The best part about meteor showers is that you only need your eyes, an open sky, and possibly some warm blankets—no extra equipment is required.