Geminids

8 December 2018

Did you know that most meteor showers happen at the same time each year? The Geminid meteor shower is due to peak next weekend. Dust left behind by an ancient asteroid called 3200 Phaethon hangs around in a smallish spot in the Earth's orbit. Because we travel through this part of the orbit at the same time each year, we move through the cloud and pick up bits of dust.

Are you planning to look out for meteors? It's best to look after midnight, and look towards the constellation Gemini, which will be low in the north east. Keep a special lookout for meteors that travel upwards!

Photo: NASA