The month of December marks the end of the year with a celestial spectacle that no astronomy lover should miss: the Geminids. This meteor shower, considered one of the most impressive for its intensity and vivid colors, lights up the night sky with up to 150 meteors per hour at its peak activity.
What makes the Geminids so special? Unlike other meteor showers, which are usually caused by the remnants of comets, the Geminids come from the asteroid 3200 PhaetonThis asteroid leaves a trail of particles that, upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, generate luminous traces with colours ranging from yellow to green and red. This unique phenomenon makes them an exceptional visual spectacle.
When and how to observe the Geminids?
Geminid activity begins on December 4 and extends to the 17, but its peak will take place during the early hours of 13 to December 14, around the 02:00 hours (Spanish peninsular time). On these dates, weather conditions permitting, up to 150 meteors per hour can be observed.
To fully enjoy this astronomical event, it is essential to look for places far from light pollution, such as rural or mountainous areas. Although the Moon will be almost full this year, making it difficult to see fainter meteors, the brightest ones will be visible. It is advisable to look towards the darkest area of the sky, opposite to the location of the Moon.
You don't need telescopes or binoculars to see the Geminids, as they are visible to the naked eye. However, allow your eyesight to adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes to capture the details better. Wrap up warm, bring something warm to drink and get ready to enjoy a magical night under the stars.
A peculiar origin: the asteroid Phaethon
The origin of the Geminids is unique and surprising among meteor showers. For centuries, their origin was an enigma, until in 1983 NASA's IRAS space telescope identified the asteroid 3200 Phaeton as the one responsible for this astronomical phenomenon. The curious thing is that most meteor showers originate from comets, not asteroids.
Phaeton, with a diameter of 5,8 kilometers, leaves a trail of solid particles as it approaches the Sun. When the Earth passes through this cloud of debris each December, the fragments enter the Earth's atmosphere, producing the bright flashes we know as shooting stars. It is because of this peculiarity that the Geminid meteors stand out for being brighter and having more intense colors than those of other meteor showers.
Tips to enjoy to the fullest
If you want to live an unforgettable experience observing the Geminids, follow these recommendations:
- Choose a dark and clear place: Make sure to find a spot away from light pollution and without any obstructions, such as buildings or trees.
- Look towards the constellation Gemini: The Geminids radiant is located in this constellation, although meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.
- Adjust your vision: Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for a few 20 minutes to improve your observation skills.
- Prepare for the cold: Bring warm clothing, blankets and something hot to drink.
Also, if you want to capture images of the event, use a camera with manual settings and long exposure settings to immortalize these unique moments.
Astronomical phenomenon with history
The Geminids, along with the Perseids in August and the Quadrantids in January, are part of the trio of the most active meteor showers that we can enjoy each year. Their activity rate, up to 150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, making them one of the most spectacular. In addition, their radiant, located near the famous stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini, makes them easy to locate in the sky.
Year after year, the Geminids remind us how vast and wonderful the universe is. Whether you decide to observe them with family, friends or alone, this astronomical event promises to take our breath away. Don't miss it!