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The annual Geminid meteor shower is currently active in the UK and is expected to be most visible over the coming days. The meteors of the Geminid shower are bright, fast, and multi-coloured, mainly white, some yellow and a few green, red and blue. These colours are partly caused by the presence of traces of metals like sodium and calcium, the same effect that is used to make fireworks colourful.
The shower has been known to produce over 150 meteors per hour at its peak, although light pollution and other factors mean that in reality, the visible number is far lower. NEWS 🚨: The Geminids meteor shower, considered the most spectacular of the year, will peak Dec. 13 with up to 120 meteors per hour ☄️ pic.
twitter.com/T7GaErnP1O — Latest in space (@latestinspace) December 10, 2024 How to view the Geminid meteor shower: Find a dark location: Look for areas with little light pollution, such as parks or rural settings. Find a clear view: Look for a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky and a clear horizon.
Adjust to the darkness: Allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust. Bring a comfortable chair or blanket: You can make it more comfortable to observe the sky. Be patient: Settle in and relax, and let the night sky unfold.
Recommended reading: Met Office forecasts snow over Christmas and New Year period How cold does it have to be to snow in the UK? See if it can ever be too cold Can you walk dogs in the snow? 8 ways to keep your pet safe on winter walks What is the Geminid Meteor Shower? The Geminids are named after the constellation Gemini, located between Taurus and Cancer, and northeast of Orion. The Geminids are visible from December 4–20, but the peak is December 14–15. In dark conditions, up to 120 meteors per hour may be visible.
Even though the moon will be nearly full in 2024, it's still possible to see the Geminids. The American Meteor Society recommends keeping your back to the moon so your eyes can adjust to the darkness..
