- December 11, 2024 - Planétarium : Astronomical News
Of all the annual meteor showers (shooting stars, in popular language), the Geminids are among the most reliable and prolific. When they hit their peak activity this year, on December 13 at 8:00 p.m. (EST), they may produce as many as 120 to 150 meteors per hour (the so-called ZHR), outclassing even the famous August Perseids! In the Montréal area, however, we’re expecting to see 50 to 60 meteors per hour at peak activity, in other words about one meteor per minute.
Some basic data
While most meteor showers are fueled by comet dust, the Geminids are the only one whose source is an asteroid: 3200 Phaethon.
3200 Phaeton makes one revolution around the Sun every 523 days. Each year around mid-December, Earth grazes the orbit of 3200 Phaethon and passes through the wake of billions of particles left behind by the asteroid in space, giving rise to this renowned meteor shower.
The Geminids in detail
When meteoroids enter the atmosphere, they leave behind them a luminous trail of ionized gases – shooting stars. The Geminids have an average velocity of 35 km/sec, about half that of the Perseids. The radiant, the part of the sky where the meteors appear to emanate, is located in the constellation of Gemini, near the bright stars Castor and Pollux. In fact, shooting stars can also be seen all over the sky, but if they’re Geminids their trails will all point back toward the radiant. Geminids are generally yellow, orange or green. But the color of meteors is linked to their chemical composition, not really to their speed.
In 2024, the Geminids will be reaching their peak around 8:00 p.m. (EST) on December 13, we can expect a very nice show on the nights of the 13th to 14th and 14th to 15th. This year’s astronomical conditions won’t be the best: the Moon will be full on the 15th starting from early evening and will interfere with observations. On the other hand, these are very bright and therefore spectacular meteoroids. So despite the full moon, it will be possible to see some of them by placing yourself in the best possible conditions.
How to observe the Geminids
As twilight ends, let your eyes wander across the sky. If you’re in a group, position yourselves so that everyone’s facing in a different direction...and be prepared for a few surprises! Under a dark country sky –and despite the Moon – we can reasonably expect to see dozens of meteors per hour until 11:00 p.m. (EST).
So the rest is up to you: Head out of the city, away from light pollution; bring a lawn chair, blankets and some hot chocolate; and above all, dress warmly! Then settle back, scan the sky with your eyes (binoculars are of no help in this endeavor) and begin counting shooting stars…
A Night Under the Geminids at the Planétarium on December 13
