Geminids, the last meteor shower of 2020



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2020 will end with one of the most incredible meteor showers of the year. The Geminids can be observed every December, from 4 to 17, although their highest peak is usually in the middle of the month, particularly between 13 and 14 December.

This type of rain occurs when the Earth orbits close to remains of a comet and attracts its parts due to the force of gravity. Particles enter the atmosphere a high speed and, due to the collision with the air molecules, they vaporize. In this way, the luminosity that characterizes this phenomenon is produced.

The Geminid meteor shower can be seen 4-17 December. December 14 is at its maximum pace, which is the day it will have the greatest visibility. If the observation conditions are optimal, a drop of 120 meteors per hour and at a speed of 35 kilometers per second.

Las Geminidas is one of the busiest rains of the year due to its fall. They are observable from all over the Northern Hemisphere, where they are seen up to 150 shooting stars per hour. This year the phenomenon coincides with New moon, that is, with the lunar phase in which the Moon does not reflect light, so it will not be visible from the Earth. This factor will be an advantage to be able to perfectly visualize the meteors.

Earth will approach the challenges of a comet

It is considered one of the most impressive rains of the year, as it comes from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Earth will pass through the remains of the comet, which is currently a planetoid. Therefore, what we will actually see will be the debris of a dead comet, that is, the destruction transformed into beauty.

Each season of the year has several meteor showers. For example, quadrantids usually occur at the beginning of the year, while aquarids occur at the end of July. On the other hand, the Arietids and the Perseids are two diurnal phenomena, that is, observable only with radar.

How can I see the Geminids?

You can enjoy this shooting star show from anywhere in the world. Even so, to take advantage of its maximum visibility, it is advisable to stop in a place without obstacles like buildings and with the least amount of light possible. Avoid objects such as a telescope or binoculars, as darkness and a wide field of view are the only factors needed to look at the Geminids.

The last shower of stars of this 2020, the Geminids, can be seen from 4 to 17 December from anywhere in Spain. Additionally, the debris from Comet 3200 Phaethon will be best seen on the 13th and 14th of this month.

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