The King of All Meteor Showers, the Geminids
As 2015 draws to a close, the best meteor shower of the year is saved for last; 120 meteors per hour are expected for about 24 hours from Dec. 13 through Dec. 14.
The only problem with this meteor shower is the fact it occurs in December. Weather is usually a big factor and this year will be no different.
Sky Conditions ForecastA massive storm is expected to organize in the Plains this weekend and barrel eastward bringing widespread clouds to the eastern half of the country into Monday. However, the timing is subject to change. Meanwhile in the Northwest, the seemingly unending train of storms will likely continue. But, fingers crossed we get a break in storms just in time for the peak.
Sunday Night Sky Cover
Monday Night Sky Cover
This is a model snap shot of cloud cover at 1AM early Monday December 15th EST (Night 2 of the shower). I am concerned that this model may be too optimistic with cloud cover over the Northeast, Great Lakes and coastal Southeast U.S.
You can see meteors both Sunday night and Monday night. The absolute peak of the shower is 6 p.m. UTC or 1 p.m. EST Monday. Again, the peak is 24 hours long, so the tip of the hat goes to Monday night for the most meteors. But, Sunday night should be good as well.
Europe/Asia Sky Cover Monday Night
With the peak being Monday at 6 p.m. UTC, Europe and Asia will be dark at this time. So, Monday night is the favored night. Viewing will be best across southern and eastern Europe as a storm system is expected to affect areas farther northwest. In Asia, high pressure should bring great viewing conditions to most of China into central Russia. Scattered clouds are expected in Japan
Everywhere on the globe, you have two nights to see this impressive meteor shower. It is known for multi-colored meteors. So, keep this chart handy.
Geminids Background InfoThe Geminids has been very consistent over the past several years and could be getting stronger with each passing year.
The parent object of the Geminids is an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. It orbits the sun about once every 1.4 years. This way it puts down a fresh batch of debris almost every year for the Earth to pass through.
This meteor shower is visible from the entire globe. However, it favors the Northern Hemisphere. The radiant point is near the constellation Gemini. Northern Hemisphere viewers can see the shower most of the night.
Gemini rises early in the evening and is in the sky through dawn. It reaches its highest point in the sky around 2 a.m., which would be the absolute best time to see the meteors. Again, they are visible all night. You do not need to focus on the radiant point when looking for the meteors. Simply get a good view of the entire sky, laying down is preferable.
Also enhancing the viewing is the fact that moonlight will not be an issue. The waxing crescent moon sets early in the evening.
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