Geminid Meteor Shower To Light Up The Sky
By Steve Strouss
Something special is about to happen the next couple of nights as the Earth passes through the debris of asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
The Geminid meteor shower will light up the sky on December 13-14 with up to 120 meteors per hour.
The meteors will appear to come from the constellation Gemini (hence the name) and are best seen before dawn. The sun will rise Thursday and Friday around 7:15 a.m. so make sure you catch the meteors before then!
You do not need a telescope to enjoy the show. Viewing conditions should be very good with clear skies but grab a jacket, a blanket or a warm drink if you plan on stargazing outdoors as temperatures will dip into the low 30s overnight.
This event will be extra special because the moon phase is nearly new. This means that the sky will be relatively dark which allows for better viewing but it is still best to be away from city lights. Make your wish on these shooting stars and enjoy the view!
