Here in Utah, we are no strangers to dark skies. In fact, the Beehive State is home to the highest concentration of dark sky parks in the entire world! Coming this December is a night sky event that will make you rush to your nearest dark sky park. The Geminid meteor shower is expected to be the biggest and boldest meteor shower of the year and you can see it throughout Utah. You won’t want to miss it.
The Geminid meteor shower is unlike most meteor showers. This event is actually caused by an asteroid, rather a comet.
harpazo_hope/Moment Via Getty Images 3200 Phaethon is the asteroid responsible for this incredible meteor shower. It is believed this asteroid collided with another object years ago, creating a stream of particles. This asteroid circles the sun every 1.4 years and as the Earth passes through the particles, it results in the bright and bold meteor shower that we get to enjoy.
This year, the Geminid meteor shower will occur between November 19 and December 24. However, the peak nights for this spectacular night show are December 13 and 14.
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To experience this meteor shower for yourself, head to dark skies. Light pollution, including light from the moon, can interrupt the viewing of the meteors. In perfect conditions, you can see up to 150 meteors per hour during peak times.
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The best time to view the meteors on peak nights is approximately 2 a.m. local time. You’ll want to be ready because these meteors are bright, bold, and fast.
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While this meteor shower is more than 200 years old, it is one yearly event that you’ll want to make an effort to enjoy. It will certainly be a night to remember.
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Have you ever seen the Geminid meteor shower in the past? Are you planning to view this night show in 2022? Let us know in the comments! And, if you are searching for a good place to view this meteor shower, here are 15 dark sky parks that have stunning scenery during the day and amazing stargazing opportunities at night.
harpazo_hope/Moment Via Getty Images
3200 Phaethon is the asteroid responsible for this incredible meteor shower. It is believed this asteroid collided with another object years ago, creating a stream of particles. This asteroid circles the sun every 1.4 years and as the Earth passes through the particles, it results in the bright and bold meteor shower that we get to enjoy.
Cavan Images/Cavan Via Getty Images
ManishMamtani/ iStock/Getty Images Plus
Diana Robinson Photography/Moment Via Getty Images
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