Geminids - Where to Look
The Geminids Meteor Shower of December 2008 is a unique meteor shower because they are associated with an asteroid not a comet like other meteor showers that I have discussed on the site. The asteroid is named 3200 Phaethon, and some would argue that the entity is actually a comet in its final stages of life. The Geminids Meteor Shower of December is known for volatile commotion in some cases bombarding the Earth with up to 120 visible meteors per hour. The meteor shower has been documented for the last 150 years and each year, it is believed that the shower is producing more and more meteors. Starting December 7th and for a full ten days the Geminids Meteor Shower of 2008 will be active with a peak date scheduled for December 13th with activity thinning until December 17th.
The meteors in this shower emerge from their radiant in the constellation Gemini (this gives the shower it’s name as most showers we discuss). I have stated this before that meteors can appear anywhere in the night sky. Geminids meteors are known to produce golden streaks in the sky at relatively medium speeds.
At the start of the Geminids on December 7th the moon phase will be a waxing gibbous phase and bad news for optimum viewing of this shower. On December 13th (peak activity) the Moon will be shedding a tremendous amount of light because it will be in a waning gibbous phase with 98% (almost a full moon) of the Moon’s illumination visible from Earth and as the shower dwindles off on December 17th there will be a waning gibbous Moon phase with almost 68% of the Moon’s illumination in the sky.
Last month the moon definitely hampered meteor viewing and I expect that it will be causing difficulty this month too. I always say, “Keep your head up” and in this case that saying applies to staying positive. The Geminids are truly one of the year’s best showers often producing major activity, so having said that, I think it’s worthwhile checking this meteor shower out. Past Geminids Meteor Showers have been known to produce spectacular displays, but this year scientist and I think we may fall prey to a highly illuminated moon even during peak activity. The peak activity date is December 13th, if you decide to give this shower a try, I suggest finding a safe, dark area, dressing really warmly for those in cold climates and lounging back in a chair.
Geminids - Where to Look
I have included a map of Gemini in the sky so you can get an idea where to look. As one can see the moon is directly in the middle of the constellation for some. You can usually see meteors in the darkest part of the sky. Best of luck with your December 2008 Meteor Shower Viewing and… keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 26th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Hello Meteor Gazers,
Please post your questions, comments and sightings here.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 26th, 2008 at 12:52 am
i was wonderin which direction would the meteor shower come from (north west south east) if i live in the lower mainland of british columbia , canada?
on Nov 26th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Ron,
Look east to the left of Orion and find Gemini. The moon will be really bright there however, so I suggest looking to a dark spot in the sky as most meteors can be seen just about anywhere in the sky. The radiant Gemini is just where the backward path of a meteor’s trail would appear to originate from.
Let me know if this helps and keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Dec 1st, 2008 at 12:29 am
Thanks for the info, looking forward to reading more.
Marie
on Dec 1st, 2008 at 12:33 am
Marie,
Anytime! Bookmark the site and check with me for updates.
- Meteor Mark
on Dec 4th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Goodmorning everybody,
Yesterday at night around 01:50 I saw a great light in the sky falling drawing a line lightness and …. I apologize to you for my wrong encglish, I will describe what I saw in spanish language: era una luz muy intensa, no la de una simple estrella fugaz, no! era increible , “amazing”! hubiera querido ir hacia donde se dirigia… La aviste hacia el sur.
It was wonderfull, fantastic, incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this. Every year in august I use to see the falling stars here in Italy. I swear what I saw yesterday wasn’t a falling star.
Does it possible it was a meteorite?
on Dec 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Maria,
Thank you for your comment. A meteorite is a meteor that has landed on Earth. You may have seen a fireball or bolide.
Lo siento por mi mal español, un meteorito es un meteoro que golpea la Tierra, una “estrella” de meteoros y son la misma cosa.
English only, my Spanish is really bad.
-Meteoro Mark
on Dec 6th, 2008 at 1:17 am
At what time can you see Dec Phoenicids? Like around what time?
on Dec 6th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Hello Meteor Gazers,
Read this post for some information on When to Look
In the meantime, keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Dec 8th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Hello Mark,
Thank you very much for the information! I’m keeping my head up to see other interesting things!
Your spanish is very good!
Maria Anabel