Geminids are dust particles from a strange object called3200 Phaethon(Phaeton, in English). Although for many years it was thought to be an asteroid, today it is classified asan extinct comet. It is basically therocky skeleton of a comet that lost its ice after numerous encounters with the Sun. Every year in mid-December, planet Earth passes through a stream of dust coming from 3,200 Phaethon, thus causing meteors to fly from the constellation Gemini.
Since the Geminids were discovered in the late nineteenth century,this shower of stars has been intensifying. According to NASA, it is because Jupiter’s gravity has been acting on Phaethon’s dust stream, causing it to drift further and further into Earth’s orbit. Each December, we get deeper into the dust stream.
Opportunity for astrophotography
For astrophotographers, the Geminids’ moderate speed allows for a large number of captures. It is enough to aim at 30º-40º from the radiant, and at around 50º high and take exposures lasting several minutes. Wide-angle lenses (28-35mm) are recommended for long, colorful lines.
