Get ready for an amazing elysian show this December as the Geminids meteor shower lights up the night sky. Known for their bright, various stripes, the Geminids are one of the time’s most spectacular meteor showers.
Traveling at pets of over 78,000 mph, the Geminids will peak on Dec. 13- 14, offering up to 120 meteors per hour. “ The Geminids are the highlight of December, ” says Kat Troche, a NASA solar system minister. “ Relax, take your time, and look toward the constellation Gemini. ”
This meteor shower, featuring red, green, and blue debris, comes from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the sun every 17 months. Although this time’s peak coincides with a full moon, which could shroud the view, bright meteors will still be visible. Early December nights are also great for spotting shooting stars, and the show continues until Christmas Eve.
“ You wo n’t see all of them due to the full moon, but the brightest meteors will still shine through, ” explains Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History.
December is also perfect for observing globes. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will shine brightly throughout the month.
Venus The alternate earth from the sun will be the brightest object in the western sky just after evening. Jupiter Rising in the east around 7 p.m., Jupiter reaches opposition on Dec. 7, making it glow brightly as sun completely illuminates it. Binoculars or telescopes can help you spot its four largest moons. Troche recommends binoculars with 10×42 mm exaggeration, which are affordable and effective. On Dec. 14, Jupiter will appear near the full moon and Taurus’ red star, Aldebaran.
Mars Appearing around 11 p.m., Mars will buck up significantly throughout December, getting one of the sky’s name objects alongside Venus, Jupiter, and Sirius, the brightest star.
“ The Geminids are the stars of the month, but earth- watching will also be satisfying, ” adds Faherty.
For stargazing suckers, the Amateur Astronomers Association is hosting sidewalk viewing events throughout December. On Dec. 8, they’ll host a special event at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, fastening on solar observation.
Solar exertion remains high, creating openings to view features like sunspots and flares. “ We’re hoping for some great sunspots, ” Troche says.
Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or a curious freshman, December offers a stunning lineup of cosmic events to enjoy.
