Meteor shower to light up night
AN astronomical phenomenon is set to create a dazzling display across the night sky next month.
The Geminid meteor shower will be visible from Toowoomba between December 4 to 17.
USQ astronomer Professor Jonti Horner said the Geminids was his favourite meteor shower of the year.
“It’s definitely the best for us in the Southern Hemisphere,” Prof Horner said.
Prof Horner said meteor showers occurred when the earth, on its orbit around the sun, passed through a swathe of debris left behind by one of the solar system’s small bodies, such as a comet.
In the case of the Geminids, the parent is actually a disintegrating asteroid named 3200 Phaethon.
Prof Horner said the best date to see the natural fireworks display would be on December 14.
“The best view will be after about 11.30pm (after the moon sets), give or take a couple of hours either side,” he said.
“You won’t be able to see them before 9pm.
“The best direction for people to look is to look to the northeast and to the north, about halfway up. If you’re looking for a good while go somewhere with a comfy chair, blanket or pillow.”
As with any astronomical phenomenon the best place to witness it would be in an area far away from light pollution.
“On December 14, if you go camping somewhere, like up in the Bunya Mountains, and let your eyes adapt, you could see 50, 60 or up to 70 meteors an hour at the peak on the 14th.”