This week, the Geminids meteor shower, which is considered the most notable of the year, will reach its peak. It is possible for those observing the sky to witness up to one or two meteors per minute shooting across the dark expanse.

Thursday will mark the peak of the meteor activity, but Wednesday evening will also offer a stunning display in the night sky.

The new moon this week will offer excellent visibility around the globe as long as the sky is clear and there is minimal light pollution.

NASA encouraged viewers to scan the entire sky as meteors do not originate from a specific direction. It is estimated that between 60 and 120 meteors will be visible per hour at the peak, depending on weather conditions.

According to NASA meteoroid specialist Bill Cooke, he finds it fascinating that the Geminids have a greenish tint as they travel through the atmosphere and disintegrate. Typically, meteors appear colorless or white, influenced by their chemical composition. The color green is typically a result of oxygen, magnesium, and nickel.

Many meteor showers are caused by comets, but the Geminids are the result of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon orbiting around the sun. When our planet crosses paths with these remnants of comets or asteroids, they enter Earth’s atmosphere and create a spectacular display.

___

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP holds full responsibility for all of its content.

Source: wral.com