A December Spectacle: The Geminid Meteor Shower
The December sky is set to gift us one of the most impressive and anticipated astronomical phenomena: the Geminid meteor shower. While perhaps less famous than August’s Perseids, the Geminids can surpass them in spectacle, according to the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands. Their main characteristics are that they are brighter, more numerous, and move more slowly, allowing you to enjoy them for longer. Furthermore, they frequently display colours ranging from yellowish to green, making them particularly striking.
When and Where to Watch
The peak of the Geminids’ activity is forecast for the early hours of 13 to 14 December. The maximum activity is expected around 08:00 (Universal Time), by which time it will already be daylight. Therefore, the best time to enjoy them will be the night of 13 December. The enemy of meteor observation is moonlight, but fortunately this year, the Moon will be in its last quarter phase and will not appear in the sky until around 03:00 in the morning.
The shower’s radiant point, in the constellation of Gemini, makes its appearance around 20:00, so meteors will gradually begin to appear from that moment. The optimal viewing window is between 01:00 and 03:00 in the morning (Canary Islands time). During these hours, total darkness is guaranteed, and Gemini will be sufficiently high in the sky for an excellent viewing angle. Under ideal conditions, up to around 150 meteors per hour could be spotted, surpassing the Perseid average by 50%.
A Unique Origin: The Asteroid Faetón
The origin of the Geminids is what makes this shower truly unique. Unlike most meteor showers, which come from comets, the Geminids originate from an asteroid: (3200) Phaethon. This object, about 5 to 6 kilometres in diameter, is classified as a hybrid, displaying characteristics of both a comet and an asteroid.
Phaethon has an orbit that brings it considerably close to the Sun (at its perihelion). Every time this happens (its orbital period is 523 days), the intense heat causes its surface to release dust and small fragments. These fragments are distributed along its trajectory. Each December, Earth passes through this trail of particles, which disintegrate upon entering our atmosphere, generating the impressive meteor shower.
It is important to note that, despite its classification as a Potentially Hazardous Object due to the proximity of its orbit to Earth’s, calculations of its trajectory are precise and there is no risk of collision with Earth for many centuries to come. Our only interaction with Phaethon is the dust it provides for this annual spectacle.
Your Guide to the Best Viewing Experience
When? The early hours of 13 to 14 December.
Best Time? Between 01:00 and 03:00 in the morning (local time), as it is the period of maximum activity before the Moon rises. However, you can start seeing them from around 20:00.
Where? Find a spot as far away as possible from light pollution (rural areas or mountain peaks) to maximise visibility.
Equipment Needed? None. Telescopes or binoculars are neither needed nor recommended; the phenomenon is best enjoyed with the naked eye. That said, it is advisable to wrap up warm and allow a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
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