It is no secret that the end of 2023 has to offer some fantastic stargazing opportunities. One of the most anticipated of all is the peak of the famous Geminids meteor shower. During this impressive celestial display, up to 120 meteors can be observed per hour with bright colors and impressive trails across the night sky.
The Geminids meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of December 13th and carry on into the early morning hours of the 14th. This year, the best time to observe it will be around midnight local time. To ensure the best viewing, the optimal plan would be to start around 10 PM, as the shower usually starts to increase in intensity from that time on.
To observe the meteor shower, make sure you are in an area with clear skies and dark enough for the meteors to become visible. Somewhere far away from the city lights is ideal, as all the light pollution will greatly reduce the number of visible meteors. If the weather conditions do not permit this, a pair of binoculars will help make the most of the night.
Additionally, you should find a spot in which you can make yourself comfortable and where you can stare up at the night sky for some time. It’s best to bring along a blanket or chair, and a hot beverage as it can get quite chilly.
When looking up, make sure to look in a direction far away from the moon, as its light can be quite distracting. If possible, wait until the Moon has set, which usually happens around 11 PM. It is also important that you let your eyes adjust to the darkness, as you will be able to observe more meteors this way.
Then, just wait and enjoy the show!
The Geminids meteor shower can be considered a special event of the night sky. As such, it is worth taking some time to gaze up and take in the beauty of nature. Hopefully, the guide above will help you make the most out of it.