This December, skywatchers can look forward to two spectacular meteor showers: the Geminids and the Ursids.
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| December two spectacular meteor showers the Geminids and the Ursids. |
Geminids
The Geminids, one of the year's most prominent meteor showers, will peak on the night of December 13–14, 2024. Known for their brightness and slower movement, they can produce up to 120–150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. These meteors originate from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, setting them apart from other showers, which are typically comet-derived. The best viewing times will be from late evening to dawn, with the radiant in the constellation Gemini. A dark, moonless sky will enhance visibility.
Ursids
The Ursid meteor shower, linked to Comet 8P/Tuttle, peaks around December 21–22, 2024. While not as prolific as the Geminids, it can still produce around 5–10 meteors per hour, occasionally more during outbursts. Its radiant lies in the constellation Ursa Minor, making it visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers are advised to look for these meteors during the pre-dawn hours.
For both events, finding a location with minimal light pollution and allowing time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness will maximize your viewing experience.