Let’s prepare one long list of wishes, because they are coming Geminidsthe shooting stars more beautiful in winter, compared to the famous Perseids of August. Let’s not miss the peak, it is expected on the night of Saint Lucia, between 12 and 13 December.
As the IAU explains, the swarm has a debated origin, but it is likely from asteroid 3200 Phaeton which could be an extinct cometary nucleus. It shows sustained hourly rates, comparable to those typical of the August Perseids, and the meteors are generally bright, although not in large fireballs.
This year the radiant, or the point from which shooting stars seem to start, will be visible practically all nightin the area just north-west of Castore, culminating around 2.00 at almost 80° above sea level. However, due to the strong presence of the Moon, the best observation window is in the hours before dawn, when our satellite will be low at sunset (in the map the sky of December 13, 2024 at approximately 4.30 am).
Absolutely not to be missed!
Sources: UAI / UAI meteors
