Sky enthusiasts are in for an exciting spectacle with a unique astrological event scheduled for this December.
Set your gaze toward the heavens on Thursday, December 14, as the Geminids Meteor shower is poised to illuminate the night sky. While it might mark the final meteor shower of the year, it is undeniably one of the most noteworthy.
About the Geminids meteor shower
The maximum number of “shooting stars” per hour it’s possible to see is 150, making the Geminid meteor shower the strongest of the year. It will peak on Thursday, December 14 from 6pm to 1am.
According to NASA, the Geminids meteor shower, which peaks during mid-December each year, is considered to be one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.
For optimal viewing of the Geminids, locate a spot far from city lights or streetlights.
While many meteor showers are born from comets, the Geminids have a distinct origin in an asteroid, resulting in a shower that displays a captivating blue hue. The Geminid meteor shower is an extraordinary event for stargazers, though it gets less publicity than the Perseids meteor shower in August.
When the first Geminids were spotted in the mid-1800, roughly 10 to 20 meteors were seen per hour. Since then, the Geminids have increased tremendously; they can reach approximately 120 meteor showers per hour under perfect conditions.
How to watch..
In the realm of stargazing, the UAE holds a favorable position in the northern hemisphere, making it an excellent location to observe the night sky.
Fortunately for those seeking stars, the prospects of spotting a meteor this year are quite promising! The sky is set to be darkened by the moon’s young waxing crescent phase during the peak of the shower, gradually reaching full illumination towards the end of the month on December 26.
Looking to turn it into an entire evening? Sharjah’s Mleiha Archaeological Centre is hosting an event, set amidst the desert. Scheduled for Thursday, December 14, the event will run from 6 pm to 1 am.
Tickets are available at Dhs275 for adults and Dhs200 for children, covering sky-watching, educational activities, quizzes, guided observation, and concluding with dinner. For those desiring an overnight experience beneath the stars, options are available, offering a comfortable camping experience and breakfast the following morning starting from Dhs600 per person.
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