The Geminids meteor shower will peak on December 13 and 14.; However, because the Moon is in the waning quarter, the celestial phenomenon will not be able to be appreciated in all its splendor, reported NASA.
According to the space agency, during the peak of activity and under ideal weather conditions, something that rarely happens, it is possible to observe approximately between 100 and 150 meteors per hour, but this year the number will be reduced to 30 and 40 meteors per hour at the time of maximum activity in the northern hemisphere.
The Geminids will begin around 03:00 (UTC) on December 14 and will peak at 12:00 (UTC). The astronomical show can be observed during the following nights, being the last opportunity on December 17.
How to better appreciate the celestial phenomenon?
According to Bill Cooke, head of NASA’s Office of Meteoroid Environments, in the northern hemisphere it will suffice to sit in a place with little light pollution and avoid looking in the direction of the Moon to appreciate the phenomenon with the naked eye. Likewise, it is advisable to lie down with your feet facing south and not look at your cell phone or other shiny objects to keep your eyes adjusted to the dark.
However, since Gemini does not appear very high above the horizon in the southern hemisphere, only regarding 25% of the number of meteors will be visible which are seen above the equator. That is, between 7 and 10 meteors per hour. Still, Cooke recommends looking up into the northern sky to improve your viewing opportunities.
The Geminids shower originates when Earth passes through the trail of debris from asteroid 3200 Phaethondiscovered in 1983, which orbits the Sun every 1.4 years, as published RT.
How to observe a shower of shooting stars?
■To observe this phenomenon, a telescope or binoculars are NOT required because they can appear in any sector of the sky at any time.
■The best thing to do to observe shooting stars is to lie down on a deck chair so that the visual field is 100% in the sky.
■The best time is always following 01:00 am, as published sky viewpoint on his Instagram.