The Geminid meteor shower occurs this year between December 4 and 17, 2020, in one of the most anticipated astronomical shows of the year.
The busiest night, from December 13 to 14, was accompanied by a new moon, which allowed to enjoy the meteor shower in all its splendor
These colorful meteors are usually bright. On a dark night, without the moonlight, we may be able to easily observe 50 or more meteors per hour. On an optimal night for the Geminids, we might even see up to 100 meteors per hour. Yes indeed. If you don’t care about the time, regardless of where you are on the planet, the best time to contemplate them is two in the morning.
The images have been provided by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and the astronomical dissemination channel sky-live.tv.
Most meteor showers occur when Earth collides with debris from a comet; but not in this case. What is probably the most spectacular meteor shower of the year does not come from a comet but from an ordinary asteroid: the 3200 Phaethon space rock.
“Geminids are bright, fast meteors and tend to be yellow in color,” NASA says.
We have already advanced it. Although the Geminids favor the northern hemisphere, where the radiant appears highest in the sky, it is also visible from the tropical and subtropical parts of the southern hemisphere of the planet. We can all contemplate it!
Remember, sources of light pollution, such as streetlights, cars, and buildings, can make the viewing experience difficult. The darker the better. You do not need a telescope or any other special instrument to contemplate them. Enjoy at first glance this spectacular astronomical event.
