It’s like and early Christmas present from the heavens above us – the Geminids meteor shower. Tonight and overnight Saturday promises to be the best time to watch the Geminids streak across the evening sky. The meteors stem from an asteroid named “3200 Phaethon” and they’re estimated to burn up over Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of 127,000km/h.
The forecast calls for a few clouds tonight, however it should be clear enough for astronomy enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of these meteors. At it’s peak tonight, anywhere between 75 and 120 of them are expected to fall per hour and they’re usually yellowish in colour.
The biggest challenge may be the moon. The moon will not be full, however it will be bright enough to make the meteors difficult to see. Experts recommend finding a place to block out the moon, away from city lights, and the meteors should be bright enough to see. It’s also recommended to be at least 10km away from urban lights for the maximum dark sky experience and experts say it’s best to avoid turning on your cellphone when viewing meteors to allow your eyes to adjust to the evening sky.
The meteors will be at their best tonight, however they will continue throughout the month of December until about the 24th. Dress warmly and enjoy the Geminids meteor shower!
