Have you ever seen a meteor shower? This December you can witness the Geminid Meteor Shower. A meteor shower is a celestial event in which many meteors are observed.

Meteors from showers are caused by a stream of cosmic debris (meteoroids) entering Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds. The Geminids are a meteor shower with 3200 Phaethon’s being responsible. The 3200 Phaethon is an active Apollo asteroid with an orbit that brings it closer to the sun. 

The Geminid was first discovered in October 1833, on the Mississippi River. With only 10-20 meteors per hour at the time. Now grown to being one of the major showers of the year. Being 120 meteors miles per hour in the night sky. With a velocity of 79,000 miles per hour. 

The shower runs from November 19 through December 24, but will peak on December 13. It will rise mid-evening at its highest around 2AM. The Geminids radiant point coincides with Castor. Castor is one of the two bright stars in the Gemini Constellation, located in the Northern celestial hemisphere. According to Greek Mythology, the two stars represent the twins. The color is usually seen as yellow. 

So, remember to go outside at least 20 minutes prior so your eyes can adjust to the dark. Bring other people with you, so you can be able to look in every direction to catch the meteor shower.