Geminid Meteors

We have one final sky event worth seeing for 2023. The peak of the annual Geminid Meteor Shower occurs on Thursday evening, December 14 and through dawn on Friday December 15.

There are dozens of meteor showers throughout the year. Most of them are unimpressive. The three big ones are the Perseids in August, the Leonids in November, and the upcoming Geminids.

Many astronomers consider the Geminids to be the best shower of the year. The Geminids move a little slower through the sky so you have a slightly better chance to see them.

Most annual meteor showers happen as the Earth passes through a debris and dust field from the tails of close comets. The debris field does not move very much in space and the Earth passes through it each year around the same date.

The source of the Geminid Meteors is different. Instead of a comet, the Geminids rise from an unusual “active” asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. This asteroid passes very close to Earth and acts like a big pile of gravel!

The comet debris that causes most meteors is about the size of a grain of sand and strikes the Earths atmosphere at 50,000 miles per hour. The grain heats up and vaporizes in a flash of light.

The particles released by 3200 Phaethon are slightly larger and move a little slower. This causes the Geminid Meteors to be a little brighter and often to produce fireballs and different colors.

The Geminids peak early evening Thursday, December 14. Try to look all evening through dawn Friday if the sky is favorable.

Find a clear view and look overhead. The meteors may appear anywhere. No binoculars or telescope required. We are two days past new Moon so the Moon is not a factor this time. All we need is good weather.

We will look for any remaining meteors December 15 at 7 p.m. at Lucile Miller Observatory in Maiden. In addition, we will talk about how to buy a telescope and binoculars.

Stay away from lights and good luck seeing the Geminids!

Visit www.catawbasky.org for more information.