We’re about to close out an entire decade, and what better way to send it off than with an explosive meteor shower? The Geminids are set to light up the Arizona night sky on December 13-14, and it’s one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year.
Gemini, the shower’s namesake, is a large constellation in the northern sky best-known for its zodiacal membership.
Flickr/dizmangphotography Despite this affiliation, however, these meteors can appear anywhere in the night sky.
Along with the Quadrantids, the Geminids are the only meteors that don’t originate from a comet.
Flickr/evosia Instead, they are thought to be caused by an asteroid by the name of 3200 Phaethon, which orbits closer to the Sun than any other similar object.
Experts have noticed the Geminid shower intensifying every year, so this decade should go out with quite a bang.
Flickr/brb_photography In less than 10 years, the peak hourly rate skyrocketed from 115 to a whopping 253.
Unfortunately, the December full moon will steal some of the meteors’ thunder - but all isn’t lost.
Flickr/evosia Astronomers say the shower is definitely still worth viewing, as it’s one of the most spectacular all year.
No telescopes or binoculars are necessary to view the Geminids.
Flickr/sama093 Instead, remote spot away from city lights, lay on the ground, and enjoy a panoramic view of the expansive night sky.
This year, the shower will begin on Friday, December 13 and peak on Saturday, December 14.
Flickr/lschlagenhauf The celestial show is expected to begin around 7 p.m. and will continue overnight. Expect to see up to 160 shooting stars per hour (probably fewer due to light pollution from the moon, but we’re hoping for the best!). The shower will peak around 2 a.m. on Satuday, but this is definitely an event staying up late for.
Can you imagine a better end to 2019? We certainly can’t.
Flickr/stephen_little
Have you ever seen the Geminid meteor shower? Will you be watching this year? Let us know your thoughts and plans.
Flickr/dizmangphotography
Despite this affiliation, however, these meteors can appear anywhere in the night sky.
Flickr/evosia
Instead, they are thought to be caused by an asteroid by the name of 3200 Phaethon, which orbits closer to the Sun than any other similar object.
Flickr/brb_photography
In less than 10 years, the peak hourly rate skyrocketed from 115 to a whopping 253.
Astronomers say the shower is definitely still worth viewing, as it’s one of the most spectacular all year.
Flickr/sama093
Instead, remote spot away from city lights, lay on the ground, and enjoy a panoramic view of the expansive night sky.
Flickr/lschlagenhauf
The celestial show is expected to begin around 7 p.m. and will continue overnight. Expect to see up to 160 shooting stars per hour (probably fewer due to light pollution from the moon, but we’re hoping for the best!). The shower will peak around 2 a.m. on Satuday, but this is definitely an event staying up late for.
Flickr/stephen_little
Make sure to check out our previous article for another chance to see dark skies: This Iconic U.S. Destination Is The Newest Dark Sky Park And You’ll Want To Go Stargaze.
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