Geminids Meteor Shower 2024: Furious Fireballs From Twins Towards Earth

We have a Geminids meteor shower coming up from 19 November to 24 December, having its peak number of meteors on two days of December 2024, i.e., 13th and 14th December 2024. Gather up all your backpacks and witness the remarkable shower of meteors at your place.

What is a meteor shower?

When meteoroids revolve within a comet’s orbit and approach the sun, they start to heat up. This rise in temperature causes the meteoroids to break apart into smaller fragments. As these fragments continue to move along the comet’s orbit, Earth occasionally passes through this stream of debris. When this happens, it appears as though the meteoroids are crossing Earth’s path. The smaller pieces of meteoroids that enter Earth’s atmosphere, where they burn up due to friction, creating streaks of light known as meteors. To us on Earth, these meteors result in the spectacular display we call a “meteor shower.”

• Why do we get meteor showers?

When Earth passes through the trail of the meteorite that is left, due to the meteorite being heated up by the sun. By being in the same orbit, these meteoroids then enter the Earth’s atmosphere. The meteoroids entering the Earth’s atmosphere are termed ‘meteors’.

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  Why, the Geminids?

The meteor showers are named on the basis of their origin constellation. Since the meteoroids causing the Geminids meteor shower appear from the Gemini constellation, they are named the Geminids meteor shower.

Understanding the Meteor Shower

• Naming & Origins of Meteor Showers

The meteorites of the Geminid meteor shower originate from an asteroid named 3200 Phaethon in the Gemini constellation. The Geminids Meteor Shower is also known as a unique event in astronomy as it occurs due to an asteroid rather than a comet. The Geminid meteor shower was first observed in the year 1862.

• Difference Between Meteors, Meteoroids, and Meteorites

Many of us are confused and think that meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites are the same. Here’s the key difference between them.     

1. Meteoroids: The small chunks of debris floating in the comet’s belt are termed ‘Meteoroids’
2. Meteors: While the meteoroids enter the Earth’s surface from space, they start to burn due to Earth’s atmosphere, they are known as ‘Meteors.’
3. Meteorites: When meteors land on Earth after passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, they are termed ‘Meteorites’.

• Meteors and shooting stars

When meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with atmospheric particles, which creates intense friction. The friction that arises due to this starts burning the meteoroids; this is termed a meteor. As they streak across the sky, they leave behind a glowing trail of particles along their path, creating what we see as a meteor—or, as they’re popularly known, a “shooting star.”

 

Mythological Aspects and Facts of Geminids Meteor Shower.

• Mythological Aspects

1. The Geminid meteor shower originates from an asteroid named Phaethon. The name Pantheon originates from Greek mythology, pantheon is the name of the figure who drove the sun god Helios’s chariot. 
2. According to ancient Greek mythology, it is believed that the meteor showers are known to be ‘Tears of God’ which are said to grant the wishes of the viewers. Hence, we see in various cultures that once a ‘shooting star’ is spotted the viewers start making wishes.

• Facts regarding Geminids meteor shower

1. Before 1983 the Geminid Meteor Shower was considered an orphan since the knowledge at that time indicated that ‘meteor shower should originate from a comet’ but this belief was thoroughly shattered after they identified that the meteor shower originally originated from an asteroid named ‘Phaethon’.
2. For indicating the Geminid meteor shower we use the Gemini constellation (the twins) but it is just for giving the viewer a particular location to look for in the sky. The Geminids meteor shower is visible in the whole night sky.
3. The peak activity meteor count of the Geminids meteor shower can be estimated to be 120 meteors/hr.

Making the Observation of Geminids Meteor Shower Memorable

• Timings for witnessing the peak of the meteor shower

Observe the Geminid meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere. Select a place with less light pollution to get a clear sky. The best time to observe the Geminid meteor shower would be December 13th, 2:30 a.m. (IST). The radiance observed at this time appears to be the highest, which makes it easy to witness the meteor shower. 

• How to Identify the Best Sights for the Geminid Meteor Shower

The best sight to observe the meteor shower would be away from the city, in remote places where the light pollution is minimal. To confirm if the location you have selected is good or not, download the Stellarium application and point it in the sky. You should be able to see the Gemini constellation in the Stellarium application, which will help you in comparing the visibility of the sky.

To make an event or observation memorable, it is essential that you have a hassle-free observation where you aren’t faced with difficult changes during the observation.

• Essential Items for Hassle-Free Observation.

Here’s the list of the essential items for your observation.

1. Stellarium Application for Navigating the Sky.
2. Mattress for lying down in the open sky
3. Flashlight covered with red gelatine paper.
4. Cozy blankets are required since the temperature drops at night.
5. Warm clothes to protect you from low temperatures
6. Tripod Stand and Camera for Photography

• Beginners Tips

1. Bring the list of the above-mentioned items with you to have a hassle-free observation.
2. Lie down comfortably on the mattress and observe the Geminid meteor shower.
3. Carry warm clothes with you.
4. Carry a tripod and Camera and set the camera in the upward direction to take pictures of the ‘shooting stars.’
5. Count the number of shooting stars that you see while lying down.
6. Don’t distract yourself by using other mobile applications.
7. Try bringing a friend and shouting out ‘shooting star’ if you observe a shooting star.

You can join Stargazing Mumbai for the awesome event of Geminids Meteor Shower and experience it.

Capturing the Meteor Showers using Mobile Phones and Cameras

• Tips for Capturing the meteor shower

1. For achieving stability, use tripod stands.
2. Turn off autofocus.
3. Shoot raw files.
4. Set the ISO from 1600-3200; this will help to capture more light.
5. Keep the shutter speed at 30s; this will help to gather light over an interval of 30 seconds.
6. Use wide lenses if available.
7. Use the Heavens Above website to ensure you get the right timing when the meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere.
8. Set the exposure time of your phone to longer periods.
9. Use websites like Dark Table to process your image.

The Geminids meteor shower is a unique meteor shower that happens in the months of November and December of every year. The Geminid meteor shower originates from an asteroid, whereas every other meteor shower originates from comets.

Significance of Geminids Meteor Shower

The Geminids meteor shower is known as one of the most reliable annual meteor showers. The Geminids also produce 100+ meteors per hour, which makes it very significant in observation and also makes the night sky beautiful with its dazzling and vibrant lights.

 

Hence, don’t miss this opportunity to observe the Geminid meteor shower. Stargazing Mumbai is also hosting a Geminids Meteor Shower on 13th and 14th December, You can be a part of this event and enjoy this year’s Geminids Meteor Shower.

  Enjoyed reading this? Consider reading:

• 5 Astonishing Reasons Why Meteor Showers Are Truly Spectacular
• The Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
• Spectacular Geminids Meteor Shower