It’s time to look up at the night sky: one of the most impressive meteor showers of the year will peak tonight.
The Geminids meteor shower, a favorite among annual meteor showers, peaks tonight, December 13, although viewing will remain good into the weekend.
The shower will start to be clearly visible early in the night, around 9 or 10 p.m. according to NASA, and when it is full, you may see 120 meteors or more per hour.
This evening, the weather is expected to be clear in Providence, which should provide good visibility.
Which asteroid causes the Geminids meteor shower?
The asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon is responsible for the Geminids meteor shower. This shower is unique because it comes from an asteroid, where most meteor showers come from disintegrated comets.
The Geminids first appeared in the mid-19th century, according to NASA, which added that Geminid meteors are bright, so they are often easier to see than other meteors.
On a dark night, at the height of the shower around 2 a.m. (for all time zones), “you can often catch 50 or more meteors per hour,” according to EarthSky.org. “On an optimal night for the Geminids, it is possible to see 120 meteors – or more – per hour.”
NASA states that the speed of the meteors is 79,000 mph (22 miles per second).
“The bold, white, bright Geminids give us some of the best showers in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in years when there is no moon,” EarthSky.org noted. “The meteors are plentiful and compete with August’s Perseids.”
A look at the 2023 Geminids meteor shower. The peak of this year’s rain will be mid-December.
What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?
EarthSky.org explained that an asteroid is just a rock with an orbit more circular than that of a comet.
“A comet is a dirty snowball, with a solid nucleus covered by a layer of ice that sublimates (changes from a solid to a gas) as the comet approaches the sun,” says EarthSky.org. “Comets are generally lightweight, with a density slightly heavier than that of water.”
Where to look at the stars: Here’s a beginner’s guide to stargazing in Rhode Island
About the asteroid known as ‘3200 Phaethon?’
According to EarthSky.org, 3200 Phaethon was discovered in images taken by Infrared Astronomical Satellite on October 11, 1983 by Simon Green and John Davies. In 1985 it was named “3200 Phaethon”.
Will people need telescopes to see the shower?
EarthSky.org stated that you don’t need any equipment to see the spectacle, but it is important to go to an area with minimal lighting to see the entire sky.
NASA stated that the Geminid Shower is considered one of the best options for young viewers, as it starts every night around 9 or 10 PM.
This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: Geminid meteor shower peaks tonight. Here’s how to watch
