If you’re fortunate enough to have clear skies this weekend, and the signs are good, don’t forget that the Geminids are due to make their annual appearance. Unlike last year, the moon has decide to take Sunday night off so conditions should be perfect for a good show when maximum activity is expected – Monday morning at 0510 UT. But there should still be plenty to see from around 9pm either tonight or tomorrow. The Irish Astronomical Association has viewing tips. Plenty of background – first observed in 1862 – and links at a previous reminder. Space Weather has a short video clip of an early arrival and points to a live video feed from Nasa’s all-sky meteor camera at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. As the Nasa press release/podcast says, “Recent trends favor a good show. Enjoy the Geminids!”. If they’re right, you can thank the extinct comet 3200 Phaethon – pictured right – the 5km wide potentially hazardous Near Earth Object… And our friend and lord, Jupiter. [What? Not the great Ogdy?! – Ed] No. Here’s some of what the camera at Huntsville saw last year even with the moon in view.
Discover more from Slugger O'Toole
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
