When Can You See the Geminids Meteor Shower This Year?
If you’re an avid sky watcher, you’ll be rewarded with the last meteor shower of 2024: The Geminids are here, and they’ll be here until Christmas Eve. It is considered one of the most spectacular showers of the year, with more than 100 meteors per hour visible during its peak (at least in ideal conditions).
Gemini is so named because it appears to come from the constellation Gemini (the twins Castor and Pollux), but it is special for another reason. Unlike other large meteor showers that arise from comet debris, these are the result of an unusual asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. Phaeton’s qualities and behavior have led scientists to consider it an asteroid-comet hybrid , or a “rock comet”.
When and how to watch Gemini in 2024
The Geminid meteor shower began on November 19 and will last until December 24, peaking on the night of December 13-14. Like many major showers this year, the Moon will be in a less-than-ideal phase at its peak, brightening the night sky and (somewhat) reducing the visibility of meteors. However, the Geminids will still be impressive in their sheer volume and speed, especially if skies are clear, as the meteors are bright, fast and ” intensely colored “.
According to NASA , the best views occur at night and in the pre-dawn hours, with meteors visible as early as 9:00 p.m. As always, you should go to a dark place with minimal light pollution. Gather yourself, find a comfortable place to lie on your back with your feet facing south, and give your eyes a chance to adjust to the darkness for half an hour or so.
Although the radiant is the constellation Gemini, which can help you navigate, don’t get too hung up on this location: Gemini is visible throughout the sky.