Meteor Shower December 2008 Update – meteorblog.com
The Geminids Meteor Shower of 2008 takes its name from the Constellation Gemini because Geminids meteors originate from a point close to the star named Castor within the constellation. So where do you look to find Gemini? If you know where Orion resides in the sky then you can find the Gemini also known as the “The Twins”. Gemini is situated just over Orion’s left arm which he holds above his head.
This meteor shower has satisfied the hunger meteor shower enthusiasts over the years do to great activity. The Geminids Meteor Shower is unique because it occurs due to the passing of an asteroid, not a comet like most of the meteor showers I have discussed here. The 3200 Phaethon asteroid is most likely the residue heart of a comet that expelled all its ice throughout our solar system and its close encounters with our Sun.
Bookmark the site and I will keep you posted. We will be discussing this meteor shower in greater detail in days to come as it is one of the more celebrated meteor showers of the year.
on Dec 1st, 2008 at 12:30 am
Meteor Mark,
Which star is Castor?
David
on Dec 1st, 2008 at 12:33 am
David,
Castor is the “head” of the twin on the right.
Hope this helps,
- Meteor Mark
on Dec 1st, 2008 at 10:02 am
Meteor Mark,
When do they start and peak?
Thanks for your Blog! Love it.
Ptoe
on Dec 1st, 2008 at 10:07 am
Oops. didn’t read the original.
Ptoe
on Dec 2nd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Ptoe,
That’s okay. Happens all the time. I hope you found the information useful. The December Meteor Shower of 2008 schedule will be updated so check back with us by bookmarking the site.
- Meteor Mark