The Geminid meteor shower peaks tonight. Here's when and where to watch it

 Get ready for a celestial fireworks show, because the Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak activity tonight, December 14th! This annual event is widely considered the king of meteor showers, offering dazzling displays of streaking lights across the night sky.

When and where to catch the show:

• Peak viewing: The Geminids will be most active from midnight to dawn on both December 14th and 15th. However, you can start looking for them as early as 9 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
• Optimal time: For the best chance of catching meteors, aim for the wee hours around 2 a.m. on Thursday morning.
• Location: Escape light pollution! Head to a dark area with a wide-open view of the sky. National parks and rural areas are ideal spots.

What to expect:

• Rates: During peak activity, you can expect to see up to 150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, even in a good location, you might see closer to 50-70 per hour.
• Speed and brightness: Geminid meteors are known for their fast speeds, often reaching up to 78,000 mph! This can create bright streaks of light, sometimes leaving glowing trails for a few seconds.
• Direction: The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, which will be high in the eastern sky after midnight. However, you can see them streaking across any part of the sky.

Tips for enhancing your viewing experience:

• Dress warmly: It can get chilly at night, so bundle up in layers.
• Bring a blanket or chair: Lying down or reclining comfortably will make watching for meteors more enjoyable.
• Adjust your eyes: Avoid looking at bright lights for a few minutes before you start observing. This will help your eyes adjust to the darkness and make it easier to see the meteors.
• Be patient: Meteor showers are a natural phenomenon, and sometimes you have to wait a bit between sightings. Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Bonus: If you can't make it outside tonight, don't despair! Several organizations are hosting live streams of the Geminid meteor shower. Check out the Slooh robotic telescope network or Virtual Telescope Project for a front-row seat to the celestial spectacle from the comfort of your home.

So, grab your sense of wonder and head outside tonight! The Geminid meteor shower promises a breathtaking display of shooting stars, reminding us of the vastness and beauty of the universe. Clear skies and happy meteor hunting!

Additional resources:

• NASA: https://twitter.com/NASA/status/941182467448426496
• American Meteor Society: https://www.facebook.com/amsmeteor/
• Slooh robotic telescope network: https://www.slooh.com/
• Virtual Telescope Project: https://www.virtualtelescope.eu/