Each December, the night sky brings one of its brightest treats as the Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak. Known for their bold, white flashes and surprising frequency, the Geminids are often the most impressive shower of the year – a real joy to observe!
The Geminids are unusual because they do not come from debris left behind by a comet, but instead originate from an asteroid! Asteroid 3200 Phaethon was discovered in 1983, but we still know very little about it – expect that when Earth crosses through its trail, we are often treated to the best meteor displays of the year.
In a bit of a muddle about what’s what – meteoroid, meteor, meteorite?? The handy infographic below should help! 💫
This year, the Geminids will peak 13-15 December, with a peak rate of up to 150 meteors per hour. on 17–18 November, with around 10 to 15 meteors per hour. The Moon will be a thin waxing crescent and will set early, leaving the skies beautifully dark. You can start watching from early evening, although the display usually strengthens as midnight approaches. 🌒
Here at Cocklebury, we think there’s no better place to enjoy it. Our dark skies and private gardens make the perfect setting to settle in with a blanket and a hot drink while you watch the magic of the night unfold. Or, if you’re staying in one of our stargazing shepherd huts, you can simply lie back in bed and look up through the skylight, letting the night sky put on its show!
The Geminids are a wonderful way to slow down in the run up to Christmas, ideal for a quiet evening outdoors or a moment of wonder beside the firepit.🔥🎄
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