Gemini 2024: Up to 150 meteors per hour are visible on the night of the peak.

According to ТСН: One of the most anticipated astronomical events of this year will be the meteor shower of the Geminids, which begins on December 4 and lasts until about December 20.

Peak of Meteor Activity

According to astronomers' estimates, the peak of Geminid activity will occur on the night of December 13 to 14. Under favorable weather conditions, up to 150 meteors per hour can be observed. Even under more modest forecasts, we can expect 40 to 50 "falling stars" per hour, making this meteor shower one of the brightest of the year.

Origin of the Geminids

The Geminids differ from other meteor showers by their origin – they are not associated with a comet. The source of this meteor rain is the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which causes the meteors to appear bright and have a slower trajectory. Astronomers note that some "stars" can have color nuances from white to yellow to green and even blue.

Meteor Observation

The meteors "come" from the area of the sky near the constellation Gemini, but they can appear anywhere in the sky. The optimal time for observations is late night after 10 PM, when it is best to stay away from city lights.

This year, the conditions for observation are particularly favorable: the moon will be in its waning phase, so its light will not interfere. Astronomers recommend giving your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness and avoiding the use of mobile phones.

To see as many meteors as possible, it is important to find a location with a dark sky, dress warmly, and bring a thermos with a hot drink, as December nights can be very cold.

The Geminids are not only a chance to enjoy impressive cosmic phenomena but also a great opportunity to spend time outdoors. Watching meteors can be an unforgettable experience for all astronomy enthusiasts and simply for lovers of the beauty of the night sky.