It's time. The December Geminid Meteor Shower is upon us--the most satisfying of all the annual meteor displays (yes, even the Perseids). For the best viewing, watch when the constellation Gemini will be rising above the east-northeast horizon.
Last night's full moon may dim this year's display, but even so, try Sunday evening during the interval between twilight and the rise of the waning gibbous moon. (Find the best time at your location here.) You might even catch an 'earthgrazer'--the long, bright 'shooting stars' that streak overhead from just below the horizon and follow a path almost parallel to our atmosphere.
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"My dad took me out to see a meteor shower when I was a little kid, and it was scary for me because he woke me up in the middle of the night. My heart was beating; I didn't know what he wanted to do.
Some meteor showers are spectacular, while most are mundane. If you sit around during a typical shower, you might see anywhere from 50 to 100 meteors an hour, if the Moon isn't out.
A collection of meteor videos for your amusement and amazement:
Peekskill Bolide Fireball of 1992
I remember watching the Geminids in India a long time ago and it was an unforgettable experience. I think we even saw an 'earthgrazer'. Seems to be the kind of thing everyone should do once in their lifetime.
http://www.visualastronomy.com/2008/12/geminid-meteor-shower-2008.html
has a graphic that locates the radiant in the sky well.
A friend just came in and said he saw a meteor while I was reading this article.
We live in San Pedro Belize.