The phenomenon is expected to begin between 9pm and 10pm and up to 120 meteors per hour can be observed
The meteor shower Geminidswhich takes place every year in mid-December, will reach its peak this Thursday the 14th, second United States Aerospace Agency, NASA.
The astronomical phenomenon is described by the same agency as one of the “best and most reliable” meteor showers, and can reach a speed of 127 thousand km/h, or 35 kilometers per second. At the peak of Geminid activity, up to 120 meteors per hour could be observed and counted as they reach Earth’s atmosphere.
According to NASA, the phenomenon is visible “all over the world” as the rain has a maximum amplitude of almost 24 hours. The start of the fall of this meteor is expected around 9pm, 10pm and, in order to observe it clearly, it is necessary to observe it from a dark place and away from the interference of urban lights.
“Lie on your back with your feet facing south and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adjust and you’ll start to see meteors. Be patient—the show will last until dawn , so you have plenty of time to take a look,” recommends the American space agency.
NASA also reports that the Geminids began to appear in the mid-19th century, but with an activity of 10-20 meteors per hour, which is much less intense than those that can be seen this week. Since then, the agency explains, this type of meteor shower has grown to become “one of the largest of the year.”
“During its peak, 120 Geminid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions. Geminids are bright, fast-moving meteors and tend to be yellow in color,” the agency reports.
The name Geminid comes from its “radiant” (the point in the sky from which rain appears to come), which is the constellation Gemini. The name is only a reference to help the public distinguish between meteor showers that may be observed. Therefore, to spot the meteor shower that will fall this Wednesday, you need to look at the sky towards the constellation Gemini.
Geminid meteors come from the remains of comets and pieces of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which leaves a trail of dust as it circles the Sun, NASA explains. “Each year, Earth passes through these debris trails, which allow the pieces to collide with our atmosphere, where they disintegrate to create fiery, colorful streaks across the sky.”
How to observe the meteor shower?
- Observe the sky away from urban lights;
- Lie on your back with your feet facing south;
- Look towards the constellation Gemini;
- Be patient (the phenomenon can last all night).
Source: Terra
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