The Geminid Meteor Shower

The Geminid Meteor Shower typically is the harbinger of Winter.  The Geminids peak around the middle of December.  This shower is usually one of the best we have all year.  Most people get excited about the Perseids because they are usually accompanied with good weather in August.  However, Winter showers are often the best.

The Geminids originate from an object known as 3200 Phaethon, an asteroid.  These are one of two major showers that do not originate from a comet.

According to the American Meteor Society the following table indicates, on average, how many meteors we should be able to see per hour.

City	Suburbs	Rural	Optimal
20	50	75	120

The Moon will certainly have an affect on the number of meteors that can be seen.  Years with the Moon below the horizon are much better!

Geminid Radiant

The radiant point of the Geminid Meteor Shower is right next to Castor, the Alpha star of Gemini.  Castor is one of the stars in the Winter Hexagon.  It will rise in the northeast just after 5pm and will cross the sky throughout the night.  If you are having trouble finding Gemini, start at the belt of Orion and trace a line through Orion's top left shoulder (bright red star -- Betelgeuse).  This will point you to a pair of stars forming the twin heads of Gemini. (See map above).

If you would like to record your observations a printable sky map is provided at the link below.

Geminid Meteor Shower

Instructions for filling out the sheet can be found at the meteor shower blog post below.

Explore the Universe - Meteor Showers

If you are heading out to a rural area you will want to ensure you have a good view of the southeastern sky.  To escape Calgary you are best off heading South or East so the growing urban light pollution does not wreck your view!

It is also important to note that you don't have to watch for the Geminids on the peak evening.  In the days leading up to the peak and the days after may have Geminids at a lower rate.

Keep your eyes to the sky!