CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you are a fan of stargazing, you won't want to miss the peak of the Geminid meteor shower this year.
The Geminids are one of the most spectacular and reliable meteor showers and my favorite of the year; this shower can produce up to 45 meteors per hour at its peak in the darkest of locations. Since most of us live near light pollution, look for more like 15-25 per hour. They are also known for their bright and colorful fireballs, which can light up the night sky.
The Geminids are caused by the debris of an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the sun every 1.4 years. As the asteroid passes close to the sun, it sheds dust and rocks that enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, creating a meteor shower.
The best time to watch the Geminids is on the night of Dec. 13 and the morning of Dec. 14, when the shower peaks. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, which rises in the east after sunset. However, you can see them anywhere in the sky, as long as you have a clear and dark view. The best time to view will be from Wednesday at 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. on Thursday.
To enjoy the Geminids, you don't need any special equipment or skills. Just find a comfortable spot away from city lights, dress warmly, and look up. You may want to bring a blanket or a reclining chair to avoid neck strain. Also, let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes, and don't look at your phone or any bright lights, or you need to start over-adjusting your eyes.
The Geminids are a wonderful opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of nature. Don't miss this chance to see one of the best meteor showers of the year!
Contact Brad Panovich at bpanovich@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.