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NEWS / 2023 / 12 / 14 / GEMINIDS METEOR SHOWER PEAKS THIS WEEK UNDER DARK SKIES

Geminids meteor shower peaks this week under dark skies

01:15 14.12.2023

The Geminids meteor shower, considered to be the year's best, is set to dazzle skygazers this week. Between 60 and 120 meteors are expected to streak across the night sky every hour at peak time, providing a cosmic spectacle that will captivate viewers. The meteors are set to reach their frenzy on Thursday, but Wednesday night is also expected to offer a breathtaking display. With the moon waning, prime viewing conditions are anticipated globally as long as the skies are clear and light pollution is absent.

NASA has urged observers to keep their eyes peeled in all directions as meteors do not come from any particular location in the sky. Weather permitting, viewers can anticipate witnessing between 60 and 120 meteors every hour during the peak time. Bill Cooke, a NASA meteoroid expert, expressed his excitement about the greenish hue exhibited by the Geminids as they speed across the sky and burn up. Typically, most meteors appear colorless or white, depending on their chemical makeup. The green hue seen in the Geminids is attributed to the presence of oxygen, magnesium, and nickel.

While most meteor showers originate from comets, the Geminids are unique as they come from the sun-orbiting asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth passes through the remnants of this asteroid or comet, the fragments encounter Earth's atmosphere and produce a stunning display.

In related news, the Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

/ Thursday, 14 December 2023 /

themes:  NASA  Cosmos

VIEWS: 154


20/05/2024    info@iqtech.top
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