The Geminids are coming around again and will be visible from every country in the world. We have all the info you will need to spot them tonight.
Facebook popped a pretty cool notification onto our timelines this morning to notify us of a meteor shower that will be visible tonight. While it isn’t a ‘once in a lifetime’ kind of occurrence it is always nice to just stop for a moment and look up at the stars.
“At Facebook, we celebrate events that bring the world closer together. Tonight’s Geminid meteor shower will be visible from every country on earth. If you get to see this amazing light show, know that you’ll be sharing it with millions of fellow stargazers.”
We really loved the message that Facebook had to share and decided, just in case you missed it, to remind you of the meteor shower taking place tonight.
According to the ‘Time and Date’ website, the Geminids are considered to be one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year. It is possible that you could see around 120 meteors per hour at its peak, which is on December 13 or 14, depending on the time zone.
In South Africa, it will be visible at different times depending on your location (which the website determines for you). The Time and Date website have listed the below table for Johannesburg.
“While it is not necessary to look in a particular direction to enjoy a meteor shower, astronomers suggest looking towards the south to view the Geminids.”
Here are some tips on how to maximise your time looking for the Geminids:
- Get out of the city to a place where city and artificial lights do not impede your viewing
- If you are out viewing the shower during its peak, you will not need any special equipment. You should be able to see the shower with your naked eyes.
- Check the weather and moonrise and moonset timings for your location before you leave, and plan your viewing around it.
- Take a blanket and a comfortable chair with you – watching meteors, just like any other kind of stargazing, is a waiting game, and you need to be comfortable.
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