Geminid meteor shower peak on December 14: the best time to see it

Since the beginning of December, Russians can observe the Geminid meteor stream, which is considered one of the brightest and most powerful of the year. Its peak will be in the middle of the month, the day before the full moon. About the origin of the meteor stream and when it is best to observe Geminids in 2024, tell "Izvestia".

Geminids meteor stream in 2024 - about the phenomenon

Meteor streams are formed as a result of the combustion of cosmic bodies in the Earth's atmosphere. They get their names in honor of the constellation where their radiant is located. So designate the area of the celestial sphere, from which meteors seem to fly out, spreading across the sky.

The radiant of Geminids is located near the star Castor, one of the brightest stars in the sky and the second brightest in the constellation Gemini. Flying across the sky, Geminids leave a long trail of bright meteors of different colors. They are mostly white or yellow, but also come in red, blue and green. This is due to the content of different components in the composition of celestial bodies.

By the number of meteors, the stream surpasses even the August Perseids. For example, in 2011, a burst of up to 200 meteors per hour was recorded, which is twice as much as the Perseids. At the same time, the speed of meteors is low - about 35 km / s.

Another feature of the Geminids is their origin. This is the only powerful stream, which was formed not from the particles of a comet, but from fragments of one of the largest near-Earth asteroid Phaeton. It passes the orbit in a year and a half, without leaving the usual tail of gas or dust, so it is not considered a comet.

Lunar calendar for December: favorable days for haircuts, cleaning, travel and shopping

How to schedule things for a successful end of the year

When the peak of the Geminid meteor shower in 2024

The period of stargazing activity began on December 4 and will last until December 20. It will reach its peak on the night of December 14, when the sky will fly up to 150 meteors per hour. Looking for "shooting stars" can begin after midnight, about two o'clock in the morning local time. But a clear, cloudless sky is necessary for a successful observation. Another important condition is the absence of urban and lunar illumination.

This is especially important now against the background of the approaching full moon, because of which the Geminids will be difficult to see. During the peak of stargazing, the brightness of the Moon will reach almost maximum, which can interfere with observation. But given that the Geminids are known for their bright glow, it may still be possible to see a few meteors.

To find the radiant, you can use the Star Walk 2 or Sky Tonight app. You can also set a reminder there so you don't miss the Geminid peak.

However, very soon another strong meteor shower is expected - Ursids, with a radiant in the constellation of the Little Bear. Its peak will be on December 22. Despite the fact that the brightness of meteors inferior Geminads, the conditions for its observation will be more favorable.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the Leonids meteor stream, which fell in mid-November.