Geminid Meteor Latest News
The Geminid meteor shower - one of the most spectacular in the celestial calendar - is set to peak this weekend.
About Geminid Meteor
- The Geminid meteor shower is named after the constellation from which the meteors appear to radiate, Gemini.
- It peaks during mid-December each year and is considered to be one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.
- Origin: Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminid stream appears to originate from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon
- The Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours.
What are Meteors?
- Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from asteroids.
- As they enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, they burn up, creating a spectacular “shower”.
- When these objects come around the Sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them.
- Every year Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery and colorful streaks in the sky.
Source: HT
Geminid Meteor FAQs
Q1: What is the origin of the Geminid Meteor Shower?
Ans: Asteroid 3200 Phaethon
Q2: How often does the Geminid Meteor Shower occur?
Ans: Annually
