One of the best meteor showers of the year begins this weekend, and you can catch the shooting stars at night over the next few weeks.
The Geminids meteor shower begins Friday night and will be active through Dec. 17, reaching a peak in the early hours of Dec. 14. Experts say the best time of night to catch them while they’re active is at about 2 a.m., but beware the moon washing out the fainter meteors.
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According to EarthSky.org, Geminid meteors tend to be bold, white and quick. The shower is better seen in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere, originating from a rock comet called 3200 Phaethon. During the shower’s peak, between 50 to 150 meteors per hour are visible if the sky is dark.
Here are some tips from NASA for viewing the Geminids:
- The Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours and are visible across the globe due to a nearly 24-hour broad maximum. This shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers since this shower starts around 9 or 10 p.m.
- To view the Geminids, find an area well away from city or street lights.
- Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair.
- Lie flat on your back with your feet facing south and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors.
- Be patient — the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.
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