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When is the best time to see the Geminid meteor shower?
The Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night of December 14 into the early morning of December 15, 2024. Under ideal conditions, you could see up to 150 meteors per hour. However, due to the near-full moon, visibility may be reduced to about 15 meteors per hour.
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How does the full moon affect meteor visibility?
The full moon can significantly impact meteor visibility by brightening the night sky, making it harder to see fainter meteors. This year, the nearly full moon will obscure many smaller meteors, which means that while the Geminids are typically bright and fast, fewer will be visible.
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What are the ideal conditions for viewing the Geminids?
Ideal conditions for viewing the Geminid meteor shower include a dark location away from city lights, clear skies, and minimal moonlight. Unfortunately, this year’s near-full moon will hinder visibility, so finding a spot with the least moonlight exposure will be beneficial.
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Where are the best locations to watch the meteor shower?
The best locations to watch the Geminid meteor shower are areas with minimal light pollution, such as national parks or rural areas. The shower is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, but observers in the Southern Hemisphere can also catch glimpses of the meteors.
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How long will the Geminid meteor shower last?
The Geminid meteor shower will continue to be visible until December 21, 2024. While the peak nights are December 14 and 15, you can still see meteors in the nights leading up to and following the peak.
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What causes the Geminid meteor shower?
The Geminid meteor shower originates from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth passes through the debris left by this asteroid, particles enter the atmosphere and burn up, creating the bright streaks of light we see as meteors.