The most anticipated astronomical event of the year is about to happen. When and where can we see it! – Teach me about science

The last month of 2022 welcomes us with one of the most intense meteor showers of the year, the Geminids which are active from November 19 to December 24, 2022, and reached their maximum in the middle of last month.

American Meteorite Society Indicates That the Geminids usually have the strongest meteor showers of the year, and so does NASA Confirms Which is considered one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers. This way, no astronomy lover or enthusiast can miss this amazing astronomical event, so we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Why are they called Geminids?

As with all meteor showers that are named according to their point of radiance, that is, the point in the sky from which they appear to come, Gemini is named that way because its radiant is in the constellation Gemini, near the bright star Castor.

You should keep in mind that this constellation is only a reference that helps viewers identify the shower they see on a particular night, however, this is not the source of the meteors, which in this case corresponds to the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

When is the best time to observe Gemini?

As mentioned earlier, the Geminids meteor shower remains active from November 19 to December 24, 2022, but its maximum peak is expected on December 14, 2022, and this is the most active moment to search for rays of light in the celestial vault.

Note that it is possible to see the Geminid meteors from Earth when the radiation shower, in the constellation of Gemini, is above the horizon, and the number will increase as the radiation point rises higher in the sky.

In this way, it is recommended to observe after 10:00 PM on the night of December 13, 2022, at which time the constellation will be in a good position in the night sky until dawn of December 14, 2022. Indicatesthe pigeons will probably produce their best samples around 03:00.

NASA Describe That during the maximum of this meteor shower you can see 120 meteors per hour in ideal conditions. In addition to their abundance, the Geminids are intensely luminous, fast, and tend to be yellow or white, making for a wonderful astronomical spectacle.

Where do you see?

In general, this meteor shower can be observed in the northern and southern hemispheres, however, in the first case the astronomical event can be seen in all its splendor, while in the second it is visible, but at a much higher rate. a little.

What about the moon during the peak of the meteor shower?

Unfortunately, a gibbing moon is expected to appear above the horizon during the peak of the meteor shower, which may interfere with viewing as it will rise around 04:46 UTC.

however, EarthSky recommends us Try to look at the moonlight. Geminid meteors tend to be bold, white, and fast; The brightest will outshine the moonlight.

Tips for watching the Geminids meteor shower

To observe the Geminid meteor shower, it is not necessary to monitor radiation. Earthsky us Explain that meteors often do not become visible until about 30° from their radiating point (the constellation Gemini); It is easy to detect meteorites that are far from radiation.

Also, meteors shoot light in all directions, so they will appear everywhere in the sky.

In this way, to make the observation we advise you to do the following:

• Find a place away from light pollution.
• You should prepare a sleeping bag or blanket and lie on your back.
• NASA recommends lying on your back with your feet pointing south.
• Look up, look up as much of the sky as you can and watch it, until your eyes adjust, this will happen after about 30 minutes.
• Look for meteors in the opposite direction of the radiation (the constellation Gemini), there you will find the most visible and amazing meteors.
• This is how you will start to see meteors, remember to be patient, the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to spot it.