When and where to watch Geminid meteor shower in India?
The night sky is all set to witness a spectacular event, the Geminid meteor shower, which is expected to peak on the intervening night of December 13-14. This annual meteor shower is one of the most active and reliable ones, producing a high number of meteors per hour. As per the experts at Starscapes Zones, the best time for viewing the Geminid meteor shower in India is between midnight and 4 am on December 14.
The Geminid meteor shower is caused by the Earth passing through the debris trail left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As the Earth encounters this debris, the small particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, producing the bright streaks of light in the sky that we commonly refer to as shooting stars or meteors. The Geminid meteor shower is named after the constellation Gemini, from which the meteors appear to originate.
To view the Geminid meteor shower, one should try and find a place where city lights are not strong. The light pollution from cities can make it difficult to spot the meteors, so it’s best to head out to a dark location with minimal artificial lighting. If you’re unable to leave the city, try to find a spot with a clear view of the horizon and minimal obstructions.
The Geminid meteor shower is active from December 4 to 17, but the peak activity is expected to occur on the night of December 13-14. During this time, the Earth will be passing through the densest part of the debris trail, resulting in a higher number of meteors per hour. The peak rate is expected to be around 120 meteors per hour, making it a spectacular sight to behold.
In India, the best time to view the Geminid meteor shower is between midnight and 4 am on December 14. This is because the constellation Gemini will be at its highest point in the sky during this time, making it easier to spot the meteors. It’s also a good idea to dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair to make your viewing experience more comfortable.
Some of the best places to view the Geminid meteor shower in India include:
- Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: This vast salt desert is one of the darkest places in India, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: This remote valley is known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it a perfect spot for viewing the meteor shower.
- Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir: The high altitude and clear skies of Ladakh make it an ideal location for stargazing and viewing the Geminid meteor shower.
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: This hill station is known for its dark skies and minimal light pollution, making it a great spot to view the meteor shower.
In addition to these locations, there are many other dark sky reserves and observatories in India that offer stargazing facilities and events. Some of these include the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Pune, and the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences in Nainital.
To make the most of your meteor shower viewing experience, here are some tips:
- Dress warmly: It can get quite cold while waiting for and watching the meteor shower, so dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair to make your experience more comfortable.
- Bring binoculars: While not necessary, binoculars can help you spot more meteors and get a closer look at the constellation Gemini.
- Be patient: The meteor shower can be active for several hours, so be patient and take breaks if needed.
- Find a dark location: As mentioned earlier, try to find a location with minimal light pollution to get the best view of the meteor shower.
In conclusion, the Geminid meteor shower is a spectacular event that is not to be missed. With its peak activity expected to occur on the night of December 13-14, it’s a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the night sky. By following the tips and heading to a dark location, you can make the most of your meteor shower viewing experience.
About the Author
