The Geminids meteor shower is one of the most exciting events for stargazers of the year, as it never fails to put on a show for you to enjoy. One of the most consistent and strongest showers of the year, the Geminids shower occurs during the month of December and is for many the best show of the year.
The first observation of the Geminids shower occurred during the latter part of the 19th century. It’s appearance was rather sudden to early astronomers and was noted by scientists in both England and the United States in 1862. Both astronomers noted the activity coming from the same radiant in the sky, though the number of meteorites observed by them at that time was minimal.
From the time of it’s discovery until 1877, observations of the shower grew as more astronomers learned of the new active shower. It was in 1877 when the first estimate of the maximum strength was noted, with an hourly rate of 14 meteorites per hour. This activity remained the same for close to 20 years, when astronomers began to notice that the intensity of the meteors was brighter and more easily observed.
Throughout the 1900’s, the reported rates of activity continued to grow and by the 1970’s observers were reporting sightings of 80 meteors per hour. This rate of activity has remained steady for the most part, with the Geminids shower now consistently producing approximately 80 or so meteorites during it’s peak period. How long this shower will continue to produce such results is a matter of debate however, as scientists have determined that the gravitational force of Jupiter is actually causing the belt to move it’s position ever so slightly. As a result, it is very likely that the stream will be completely removed from the Earth’s orbit some time in the future.
The source of the Geminids meteor shower is an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, a cosmic body that astronomers believe is now an extinct comet. As it has the same orbital path as the Geminid stream, it is likely that this is the body which caused the meteor stream that we experience each year in the winter.
The Geminids shower occurs each year between approximately December 6th through December 19th, with a peak occurring on the 13th of the month. Generally, observers can view at least one meteor each hour during non-peak periods, and up to 80 meteors per hour at peak time. The radiant of the Geminids shower is the constellation of Gemini, which is most easily seen in the northern hemisphere. Even so, the shower is so prolific that even observers in the southern hemisphere will be able to view at least 20 meteors per hour on the peak date. As with most meteor showers that occur, the Geminids shower is best viewed in the very early morning hours before dawn particularly when there is no full moon present.
Christopher L. Shelby, M.D.