The biggest and brightest meteor shower of the year is here; the Geminids shower will make its annual appearance this weekend. This out-of-this-world light show gets its name from the star constellation Gemini from which it originates and is the only major meteor shower that doesn’t stem from a comet.
You will be able to see the stunning solar display without the aid of a telescope between Friday and Sunday. The meteors are expected to start lighting up the sky and being observable from around 10.30pm on Friday night 14 December, continuing through Saturday and into Sunday. Timeanddate.com gives the peak viewing nights in Cape Town as Friday 14 and Saturday 15 December.
This year’s show is anticipated to be particularly spectacular as it is taking place just a few days after the new moon, a period in which the sky is at its darkest, and stargazers can expect to see more than 100 meteors per hour.
To get the best view of the shower, make your way out of busy and bustling city areas and away from street lights and buildings, where the sky is darker.
Those living in the Cape Town area are in luck; weather forecasts show that Friday and Saturday will have clear skies— the perfect conditions for stargazing and meteor shower viewing. Gauteng locals are not as lucky, as forecasts predict possible storms on Friday and showers through into Saturday. Meanwhile, the forecast for Durbanis rainy in the evenings on both Friday and Saturday.
For other tips on how to have the best gazing experience, check out our beginner’s guide to stargazing.
Picture: Unsplash
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