Geminid Meteor Shower

Dec 13, Dec 14, 2013
athensastronomygmail.com. The Geminid Meteor Shower is unique in that these meteors are debris left behind by an asteroid, whereas all other meteor showers can be traced to a parent comet. The Geminids are left behind bits of the asteroid Phaethon. Why this rocky asteroid is leaving behind bits that become our meteors is still under study. The Geminids seem to radiate from the constellation Gemini. The shower lasts from December 6 to December 18 with the peak being on the night of December 13/14 from midnight until dawn. In 2013, a waxing gibbous Moon will interfere. During the peak, up to 80 meteors per hour can be seen under ideal conditions. Grab a lawn chair preferably one that reclines, a blanket or sleeping bag it is cold out there, some hot chocolate and head out to your favorite dark-sky location. The Geminids were first discovered in 1862. During the early years, rates ran between 10-20 meteors per hour, and rose steadily through the 1970s. The rates have remained consistently in the 80 meteors per hour range ever since. This event is free and open to the public .

Cost: Free

Contact:
Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society
West Union South Court Sts
Athens, Ohio
Phone: N/A
Web Site: http://athensastronomy.org
Outdoor Activity
Family Oriented
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Hocking Hills Hiker