Stargazers, tonight is your chance to catch one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year—the Geminid meteor shower! This celestial event promises a dazzling display as it reaches its peak visibility.
What’s so special about the Geminid meteor shower?
Unlike many meteor showers caused by comets, the Geminids come from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Since asteroids are rocky (not icy like comets), the debris burns brighter when it hits Earth’s atmosphere. This makes the Geminids a standout show, producing up to 120 meteors per hour at their peak!
How to get the best view
According to Weatherzone, the best viewing time is during a short window between moonset and the start of dawn. While tonight’s nearly full moon might dim the display a bit, astronomer Andrew Jacob offers a handy tip: find a spot away from city lights for the best chance to see the meteors. And don’t forget to be patient—it might take a little waiting, but the show is worth it!
Where to look
The meteors will appear to radiate from the Gemini constellation, located in the north of Australia’s night sky. So, keep an eye in that direction!
When is moonset?
Here’s when the moon will set in major Australian cities, giving you the perfect opportunity to stargaze:
Sydney: 3:59 AM
Melbourne: 4:12 AM
Brisbane: 3:08 AM
Adelaide: 4:17 AM
Perth: 3:30 AM
Hobart: 3:45 AM
Darwin: 4:43 AM
Canberra: 4:03 AM
Grab a blanket, head to a dark spot, and prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars. Happy stargazing! 🌠
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