One of the greatest nighttime shows of the year is happening this weekend, and everyone around the globe will have the opportunity to see it. The Geminid meteor shower 2015 is reaching its peak in the coming days, and that means you can now see one of the most amazing sights the year has to bring, and it’s all natural.
The Geminids are going to peak on the evenings of Sunday, December 13 and Monday, December 14, but there is a lot more you need to know.
ABC News reports that it’s possible to see up to 120 meteors per hour , flash across the sky during the peak of the Geminids this weekend. NASA states that viewers of the Geminid meteor shower can expect “delightfully dark skies this year” since “the thin crescent moon sets early.”
Here is when you can see the Geminid meteor shower best in 2015, and the closer you are watching around this time, the better.
Your local peak time for the Geminid meteor shower is going to be centered around 2 a.m. local time, no matter where you are located around the planet. The reason this is possible is due to the Gemini constellation – the radiant point of the shower – will be at its highest point for the night at that time locally.
Now, Patchrevealed that this yearis a bit different for those that can’t stay up as late. The meteors should get going around 9 or 10 p.m., but it will be a few hours until the peak really hits.
Earth Sky has given forth a lot of information for watching the Geminid meteor shower 2015, and you need to follow as many of them as you can. Sure, you may not have the best conditions in order to get all of these things working in your favor, but the more you can accomplish, the more you’ll see.
- Hope for black skies with the new moon so the brighter meteors shine thoroughly.
- Find a spot to watch in the country and away from city lights.
- Sit outside for at least an hour of viewing time so that your eyes can adjust to the dark and see better.
- The Geminid radiant point climbs over the Eastern horizon around 7:00 p.m. local time for mid-northern latitudes.
- Look for the constellation known as Gemini or the “twins.” Also, try to focus on noticeably bright stars as they will help make spotting the meteors easier.
- Watch for hours if you can. The longer you sit out there, the better chance you have of catching more meteors.
- Watch the shower with some friends so that eyes can be on different parts of the skies.
- No special equipment is necessary if you have a dark sky, plenty of time, and some warm clothes. Don’t let yourself freeze and shiver while trying to get a good view.
- Relax while you’re out there. Don’t get jumpy or antsy. Take your time while looking for the meteors and look all over the place to see what you might catch.
Throughout each and every year, there are different nighttime shows that nature brings to the world and makes for people to stand/sit in awe and wonder. The Geminid meteor shower? It’s something that is unlike any other and bound to be one of the greatest of the year.
The Geminid meteor shower 2015 is bringing yet another great and wonderful show from Mother Nature. It doesn’t matter where you live or will be, you’re going to have the chance to witness this amazing show. Just follow the tips and try to do your best to be available and looking upward at the peak times and you won’t be disappointed.
[Image by Stan Honda/Getty Images]
