The Geminid phenomenon will peak between December 13th and 14th and up to 150 meteors per hour can be seen.
The 2024 Geminid meteor shower, famous for its dazzling celestial spectacle, is already underway and will peak between December 13th and 14th.
During the peak, it is possible that they will be visible up to 150 meteors per hourmaking this one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year. However, the brightness of the almost full Moon may slightly reduce the number of visible meteors, especially the fainter ones, explains .
Geminids are visible in both hemispheres, with ideal conditions for observers located in latitudes below 30°N. In these regions, observers will have about an hour of darkness before dawn, after the Moon sets, increasing the chances of seeing meteors crossing the sky.
This meteor shower is named after the constellation Gemini, where the meteors appear to originate. Unlike most meteor showers, which are caused by debris left behind by comets, the Geminids are associated with an asteroid – from 3200 Phaethons.
This asteroid, 5.8 kilometers in diameter, is unusual in that it behaves in a similar way to a comet, releasing dust when heated by the Sun. The dust particles, which travel at about 35 kilometers per second, glow brightly as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, creating visible meteors.
Meteors disintegrate at an altitude of approximately 39 kilometers, producing bright trails visible to the naked eye. These events are not only a delight for observers on Earth, but they have also been recorded from Space.
European astronaut Andreas Mogensen captured the Geminids on video during a mission last year, providing a unique perspective on this stunning phenomenon.
For those who are unable to observe the event due to unfavorable weather conditions, the Virtual Telescope Project offers a live broadcast of the celestial spectacle, allowing enthusiasts from all over the world to enjoy it from the comfort of their homes.
