When and where to watch Geminid meteor shower in India?
The night sky is all set to put up a spectacular show, courtesy of the Geminid meteor shower. This annual astronomical event is expected to peak on the intervening night of December 13-14, and astronomy enthusiasts in India are eagerly waiting to witness the celestial display. As per experts from Starscapes Zones, the best time to view the Geminid meteor shower in India is between midnight and 4 am on December 14.
To make the most of this event, it’s essential to find a location with minimal city lights, as they can hinder the visibility of the meteor shower. The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year, producing up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak. The shower is caused by the Earth passing through the debris trail of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which is thought to be the remains of a comet that broke apart centuries ago.
The Geminid meteor shower is named after the constellation Gemini, from where the meteors appear to originate. The shower is active from December 4 to 17, but the peak activity is expected on the night of December 13-14. During this time, the Earth encounters the densest part of the debris trail, resulting in a higher number of meteors per hour.
To witness the Geminid meteor shower, you don’t need any special equipment, just a clear and dark sky. Find a comfortable spot, away from city lights, and give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. It’s also a good idea to dress warmly, as you’ll be outside for an extended period.
Some of the best places to watch the Geminid meteor shower in India include:
- Astronomical observatories: Many astronomical observatories in India, such as the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore, offer special viewing sessions for the Geminid meteor shower.
- National parks: National parks, such as the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, offer a dark and peaceful environment, perfect for stargazing.
- Hill stations: Hill stations, such as Manali in Himachal Pradesh, offer a clear and dark sky, making them ideal for viewing the meteor shower.
- Beaches: Beaches, such as the ones in Goa, can also be a good spot to watch the meteor shower, as they often have minimal light pollution.
When watching the Geminid meteor shower, keep in mind that the meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but they will seem to emanate from the constellation Gemini. It’s also important to be patient, as the meteor shower can be intermittent, with periods of high activity followed by periods of low activity.
In addition to the Geminid meteor shower, December is a great time to observe other celestial objects, such as the winter constellations, including Orion, Taurus, and Gemini. The planet Jupiter is also visible in the evening sky, and the moon is in its new phase, making it an ideal time for stargazing.
In conclusion, the Geminid meteor shower is a spectacular event that is not to be missed. With its peak activity expected on the night of December 13-14, astronomy enthusiasts in India are in for a treat. By finding a dark and comfortable spot, and being patient, you can witness one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year.
Tips for watching the Geminid meteor shower:
- Find a dark and comfortable spot, away from city lights.
- Dress warmly, as you’ll be outside for an extended period.
- Give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness.
- Be patient, as the meteor shower can be intermittent.
- Bring a blanket or chair to make your viewing experience more comfortable.
- Try to avoid using your phone or other devices, as the light can disrupt your night vision.
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