MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The annual Geminid meteor shower will peak Monday night and early Tuesday. It’s usually one of the best meteor showers of the year, reliable and easily seen with the long winter nights. This year however, the sky will be illuminated by the setting moon, which means that those who wish to observe in a dark sky will have to stay awake late or get up early.
Passing clouds are in the forecast Monday evening during the Geminid meteor shower. (CBSMiami)
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It’s on those dark nights during the peak that you might be able to see 50 or more meteors per hour. Unfortunately, with the sky lit by the setting moon, clouds will also blow over the area with a stronger easterly breeze.
The Geminids get their name from the constellation Gemini the Twins. This is the radiant point or spot in the sky from which meteors will appear to radiate. The constellation has nothing to do with the shower.
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The Geminid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini. It will be high in the sky after midnight on Monday. (CBSMiami)
The easiest way to spot Gemini is to look for the two bright stars in the constellation Castor and Pollux. They will appear to rise very high in the sky and be above after midnight Monday night. The higher the constellation, the more Geminid meteors you are likely to see.
No special equipment is needed to view this shower, just preferably a dark sky, a blanket or a chair, and a little patience. The Geminids are expected to peak Monday evening and Tuesday morning December 13-14.
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