Sunday, December 9, 2007

They're baaaaack!!!!

Ah yes, it's time for the incredible Geminid meteor showers and this year will prove to be the best sightings ever, so "they" say.  I love the Geminids.

Dress warm for this one.  Look on the 13th till the 17th, I'd say, and expect cold weather - prepare for it, but it's going to be worth the extra mittens since no moon so better viewing, start gazing around 8 PM EDT, 10 will be peak time.  Tonight Luna starts a new phase, by the way.

Look for the Gemini constellation, as you know, and the radiant or place where the meteors will eminate, will be Castor, one of the twins (Pollux and Castor, stars that make up the heads of the twins).  Geminids are mighty but graceful all at once, these are the "stellar" meteors to see, as you might remember from last year (it's Christmas again already????)  They'll be bright, slow, arcing graceful fireballs.  You MUST not miss them, and you don't need any equipment for Geminids.  Eyes will do.

Depending on your locale, look for Gemini in the east-northeast right around twilight's end, you can catch a few of the early ones before the peak hour of 10 PM.  It'll be dazzling, more so than last year when Luna obscured alot of the event. 

Also in Gemini this month is MARS which you'll see easily, in an orange light. You can't miss our "war god" planet if you're looking for "Gems".  Best of gazing to you! 

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Basics courtesy of Sky & Telescope, Gryphon, star charts and finally, my own memory!   

 

 

 

   

 

 

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

While i love seeing these things, last time I viewed the lunar eclipse I nearly killed my self falling off my verandah, still have serious problems with my knee and shoulder.  Dont think I will tempt fate, I wish to be around for Xmas.  Thanks anyway Luddie.  LOL.

Anonymous said...

Will keep an eye open, Cathy - if I'm awake at 3 am (= 10 pm EST)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a show! -Missy

Anonymous said...

'I don't know if I will be awake for this show and our weather is freezing cold now. I guess I will just have to wait and see if you will post photos of it, if that's at all possible.  i am full of cold at present. Hope you have a good view though.
Hugs
Jeanie xxx

Anonymous said...

Doubt very much I'll see any of it where I am and at 5am the next day I hope to still be asleep.

Those mighty twins I know them well and have ruled my life for a while.

Mighty but graceful all at once: those heavenly fireballs: Just like them as there's no show without Punch or Judy lol ED

Anonymous said...

I am going to try and see this, it sounds pretty neat.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I can't wait!  

be well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/

Anonymous said...

Can we see them from the UK too?
Gaz x

Anonymous said...

I admittedly had completely forgotten about the Geminid meteor showers this year - thanks for reminding me! I will especially be scanning the midnight skies on my birthday, which happens to be on the 13th.        Jon