Looking for another astronomical event now that the 2024 supermoons are finished? Well, the Geminid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers in Singapore. Unlike most meteor shows, the Geminids originates from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon instead of comets. This year is expected to produce up to 120 meteors per hour. It is visible around the world every December and it is set to peak between December 13 and December 14, 2024. Here’s what we know:
What is the Geminid Meteor Shower?
The Geminid meteor shower is considered to be one of the biggest and most reliable meteor showers of the year. Its activity period begins from December 4 to December 17. In fact, the annual celestial event is visible in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. However, they are most radiant in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Geminids are rare because it is not linked to a comet source. Although, the asteroid is sometimes referred to as a ”rock comet” due to its comet-like orbit and the dense debris it leaves behind. This makes the meteor shower one of the brightest in the Earth’s atmosphere and easier to see under poor viewing conditions.
What to expect for 2024
During the peak on December 13 and 14, sky watchers can expect to see up to 120 meteors per hour. The meteors are bright appearing in many different colours such as yellow, blue, and green, to name a few. The best time to view the Geminid meteor shower in Singapore is around 2am, but the meteors are visible from as early as 10pm.
Allegedly, a nearly full moon will interfere with the viewing of the Geminids this year which may make it challenging to see some meteors in the sky. It is advised to allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness for better visibility.
Here in Singapore, sky gazers must find an unobstructed open area with minimal light pollution to be able to witness the best of the Geminids. Some notable locations include nature parks such as East Coast Park, beaches, open-air carparks, sky gardens, among many more.
Certainly, if you missed the Perseid Meteor Shower in August or the rare Saturn and Moon Conjunction in July, the Geminids needs to be on your calendar.
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