More intense than the famous summer Perseids, the Geminids are preparing to unveil their annual ballet on the night of December 13 to 14. This meteor shower, considered the most generous of the year with its 150 shooting stars per hour, promises an absolutely grandiose evening. Even if it will be colored by the brightness of the full moon, which could hinder their observation in certain cases. Take out the down jackets and prepare your peepers!
An extraordinary celestial phenomenon
The origin of the Geminids originated from an astronomical anomaly that continues to intrigue astrophysicists. While classic meteor showers are generally born from debris left by comets in Earth’s orbit, this is not the case for the Geminids. Their source, the hybrid asteroid 3200 Phaeton, discovered in 1982 by data from the IRAS satellite (InfraRed Astronomical Satellite), presents rather atypical characteristics for a rocky body.
Its orbit, unusually close to the Sun – it only comes close to 0.14 astronomical units (around 21,000,000 km) – subjects it to extreme temperatures reaching 750° C. This exceptional solar proximity could explain its ability to generate debris, typically cometary behavior. For astronomers, 3200 Phaeton would actually be an extinct comet, a theory that would explain the remarkable abundance of debris constituting the Geminid swarm.
Instructions for optimal observation
To fully enjoy the show, some precautions are necessary. You will, of course, need to get as far away from urban areas as possible. to avoid any light pollution. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness and be able to detect the faintest meteors.
Then look upwards, towards the Geminid radiant (the point from which the meteors seem to emanate), which is located in the constellation Gemini ; however, you can observe meteors all over the sky. To avoid the discomfort caused by the full moon, it is advisable to turn your back to it when observing.
Finally, don’t forget the essential elements for your comfort: a floor mat, a blanket and warm clothes. An astronomy app like Star Walk 2 or Skyview can also help you explore the night sky. If you are not available this weekend, be aware that the phenomenon will continue, although with decreasing intensity, until December 21. For the more patient, the Ursids will then take over from December 21 to 24, emanating from the Big Dipper, with a more modest peak of activity of around ten meteors per hour on the night of December 21 to 22. Good show!
- The Geminids, the most spectacular shower of shooting stars of the year, will reach their peak on the night of December 13-14.
- Unlike conventional rains, they come from a single asteroid, 3200 Phaeton, which behaves like an extinct comet.
- For ideal observation, escape city lights, let your eyes adapt to the darkness and turn your back on the full moon.
