[ad_1]
This year’s meteor shower will be like no other with experts describing it as potentially “our best meteor display in years”.
According to respected astronomy writer Alan Pickup: “The Geminids shower boasts the highest meteor rates of any of our annual showers and, for once, this year’s return occurs at a time when we have no interference from moonlight.”
However, he warned that for a good view, “fewer clouds” are required across the UK.
Where do the Geminids come from?
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Geminids are set apart from other meteors because of their origin.
While most meteors originate from comets, the Geminids are leftover bits from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.
The Geminids are said to radiate from near the star of Castor in the constellation Gemini.
Alan Pickup says: December contains what could be our best meteor display in years. The Geminids has the highest rates of any of our annual showers, this year without interference from the Moon. 4 – 17 Dec and peaks on 14. Keep an eye on our meteorcams. pic.twitter.com/WTdiHUlr6c
— Astronomical Society of Edinburgh (@ASEdinburgh) December 3, 2023
When will the Geminid meteor shower peak in the UK?
The Geminid meteor shower has been taking place since Monday, December 4 and is expected to last until Sunday, December 17.
The shower’s broad peak is set to take place on Thursday, December 14 from around 7pm with the night of December 13 also being good, according to the Earth Sky.
During its peak, more than 100 medium-slow meteors per hour will shoot across Britain’s night skies
What is the Met Office’s long-range forecast this December?
The Met Office states that from December 9 to December 18, the weather is set to be rainy with “very windy” conditions also expected.
There is also potential for “short-lived colder interludes,” bringing frost, especially in northern areas like Scotland.
Find out more about the weather forecast on the Met Office website.
[ad_2]
