The Geminid meteor shower on December 13, 2020, was a spectacular sight in the Kubuqi Desert of Inner Mongolia, China. Despite the extremely cold night with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees, more than 200 meteors were photographed during the peak of the shower.
Meteor showers occur when Earth’s orbit intersects with streams of dust and debris left behind by comets in the inner solar system. These streams of material drift across Earth’s orbital path around the sun, resulting in a stunning display of shooting stars.
While the Perseid meteor shower is the most popular one of the year, the Geminid meteor shower is known to be the most prolific. This year, there is a possibility of a surprise outburst from the Andromedid meteor shower, which hasn’t been active for over a decade.
Here are the upcoming meteor showers for the remaining months of 2023:
1. Orionid meteor shower: The peak of this annual meteor shower caused by the famous comet 1P Halley will occur on Friday/Saturday, October 20/21. However, with a First Quarter Moon, it may be challenging to see the approximately 20 shooting stars per hour.
2. Leonid meteor shower: Peaking overnight on Friday/Saturday, November 17/18, this meteor shower is known for its bright meteors with persistent trains. Expect about 10-20 shooting stars per hour, and with a waxing crescent moon, the sky will be dark after midnight, providing a good opportunity for stargazing.
3. Andromedid meteor shower: Early December, with its moonless night skies, could bring a surprise meteor shower producing about 200 shooting stars at its peak. Although it hasn’t been active for many decades, there are predictions of moderate to strong activity in 2023 and 2036. Observers should be alert for this potentially impressive display.
4. Geminid meteor shower: One of the most prolific meteor showers of the year, the Geminids will peak on Wednesday/Thursday, December 13/14, 2023. It’s possible to see up to 120 multicolored shooting stars per hour. The peak occurs just a day after the New Moon, providing perfect conditions for observation. Additionally, there is a chance that Earth will encounter a debris stream from comet 46P/Wirtanen, adding to the spectacle.
5. Ursid meteor shower: The Ursids, peaking on Thursday/Friday, December 21/22, 2023, only produce about 10 shooting stars per hour. However, the moon will be beyond the First Quarter, making the night sky bright. This meteor shower may not be as impressive as others but can still be enjoyed.
To have the best experience viewing meteor showers, it is recommended to find a location away from light pollution and observe in the small hours after midnight. Bring a reclining chair, a blanket for warmth, and avoid using smartphones to preserve night vision. Patience and dedication are key to seeing shooting stars, and the reward of witnessing a bright fireball makes it all worthwhile.
Wishing everyone clear skies and wide eyes for the upcoming meteor showers.
How many meteors per hour can be observed during the peak of the Geminid meteor shower on Wednesday/Thursday, December 13/14
Ars per hour.
2. Leonid meteor shower: This meteor shower is associated with the comet Tempel-Tuttle and will peak on Monday/Tuesday, November 16/17. With a Last Quarter Moon, it may be easier to observe the 15 meteors per hour during the peak.
3. Geminid meteor shower: The Geminids are renowned for being one of the most active meteor showers. This year, the peak will occur on Wednesday/Thursday, December 13/14. With a nearly New Moon, the dark sky will provide optimal conditions to witness the spectacle of more than 100 meteors per hour.
4. Ursid meteor shower: The Ursids are associated with the comet 8P/Tuttle and will peak on Wednesday/Thursday, December 21/22. However, with a Full Moon, it might be challenging to see the approximately 5-10 meteors per hour during the peak.
Remember, meteor showers can be best observed in areas with minimal light pollution. Find a comfortable spot, bundle up in warm clothing, and enjoy the natural wonders of the night sky.
