Meteor showers are amazing works of nature that light up the sky and this year, it is expected that we will be blessed with another stunning meteor shower in December! Known as the Geminids meteor shower (yes, from the Gemini constellation!), Malaysians will be able to witness this spectacular sight which is set to peak at around midnight on December 13 until early morning on December 14. Time to plan that perfect date!
Source: Business Insider
According to the National Space Agency, their 2017 Astronomy Calendar states that the Geminids meteor shower is expected to have an average of 120 meteors visible to the naked eye within an hour. That means there will be two meteors every single minute!
In a report by MMO, National Planetarium Principal Assistant director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor said, “This phenomenon will be clearly seen from dark locations such as interior areas, edge of the forest or beaches where city and artificial lights do not impede your viewing. Fraser’s Hill and Teluk Kemang in Port Dickson, for example, are good locations for the public to view this phenomenon.”
Source: Business Insider
This cosmic event is associated with a Palladian asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon and is speculated to have undergone a collision with another object in space in the past. Thus, this produces the stream of particles that our planet Earth will occasionally run into, which creates the spectacular sights.
The Geminids is also quite a regular occurrence that has been spotted since 1862. It is said that the showers are intensifying every year, creating a breathtaking sight for us that can be seen with the naked eye that often comes with a yellowish hue. Sounds like it would be awesome!
Source: UFO Sightings Hotspot
The NSA reported that the meteor shower will be more prominent towards the East, so remember to plan accordingly! For more information, the public can contact the National Planetarium at 03-22734303.
Now is your chance to be romantic and bring your partner to witness this magnificent view! Or maybe just fulfil your dream of watching a meteor shower! Remember to mark the date down on your calendars!
Also read: 5 Spots Near Selangor Where You Can Watch This Weekend’s Meteor Shower
