The Geminid meteor shower, a celestial phenomenon that occurs every December, is set to light up the night sky once again. This stunning display is unique compared to other meteor showers, as it is associated with an asteroid rather than a comet. Astronomers have been fascinated by this particular meteor shower due to its connection with asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
Phaethon, which has long puzzled scientists, behaves like a comet during its closest approach to the Sun. It brightens and even develops a tail, just like a comet would. However, what sets Phaethon apart is the composition of its tail. Comets typically have dusty tails, while Phaethon’s tail is made of sodium gas, adding to its enigmatic nature.
A precious opportunity to learn more about Phaethon and its connection to the Geminid meteor shower is on the horizon. The Japanese spacecraft mission DESTINY+, which is set to launch soon, aims to study this mysterious asteroid and shed light on its role in supplying material for the meteor shower.
The Geminid meteor shower will occur from December 4th to the 17th, with its peak expected on December 13th and 14th. During this time, stargazers who find themselves under ideal conditions may witness up to an astonishing 150 meteors per hour. The shower takes its name from the Gemini constellation, although the meteors do not originate from it.
To fully enjoy this astronomical extravaganza, experts advise finding a dark sky away from city lights and allowing your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Fortunately, the waxing crescent Moon on December 13th will not hinder visibility, as only a mere 1-3% of its light will illuminate the sky.
For those on the East Coast, the prime time to start observing the meteor shower is after 8:30 p.m. on December 13th. So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare to be dazzled by the beauty of the Geminid meteor shower as it graces the night sky.
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