Get ready for 2022 to end with a star-studded show! During the month of December, Nevadans can look to the night sky to see the strongest and brightest meteor shower of the year. So, grab your telescopes, a hot cup of cocoa, and sense of adventure to see the hottest ticket in town –the Geminids meteor shower in Nevada!
What exactly are the Geminids? The Geminids are caused annually by the object 3200 Phaethon. It is an asteroid that orbits closer to the sun than any other named asteroid. Due to the extreme heat and conditions of flying so close to the sun, pieces of the asteroid become separated from the asteroid’s surface.
Flickr/Danny Leung The Phaethon has been given the name, “rock comet,” because it looks more like a comet than an asteroid.
Phaethon has a bright dust tail. It’s the source, or parent, of the Geminids meteor shower that comes down in glittering light each and every December.
Facebook/Valley of Fire State Park The Geminids meteor shower was first noticed back in 1862 and is considered one of the most consistent meteors displays to occur regularly.
From December 3rd until December 16th, star gazers will be able to see the Geminids meteor shower across the Northern Hemisphere.
Flickr/Fresh Waffles Mark your calendars for December 14th! That’s considered to be the peak night to view the Geminids meteor shower at its best and brightest.
Luckily, Nevada is one of the best places to view the Geminids meteor shower!
Facebook/Friends of Nevada Wilderness
Want to see the meteor shower but not sure where to start? See the celestial night show with fellow space enthusiasts! Join the Las Vegas Astronomical Society at the Valley of Fire State Park.
Facebook/Valley of Fire State Park Incredibly, you can expect to view up to 120 meteors an hour!
Plan on meeting at the Fire Wave and Duck Rock Trail to take advantage of this epic dark sky location. Some hiking is required to get to the trails in the Valley of Fire State Park.
Facebook/Friends of Nevada Wilderness Minimal light pollution means greater night sky viewing! The Geminids Meteor Shower Viewing is subject to weather. The price to attend is $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents. Those with an annual pass into the state parks or have a receipt from entering the park earlier in the same day do not have to pay the fee.
The Astronomical Society will be on the trail with telescopes, as well as tips and tricks for the best experience.
Facebook/Las Vegas Astronomical Society The Geminids Meteor Shower Viewing is between 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on December 14, 2022. Dress comfortably in closed-toe shoes. It’s recommended to bring a blanket or chairs, as well as water. If you plan on attending, it’s best to bring red light as it helps with night vision and is less distracting to fellow stargazers.
Get excited for the biggest meteor shower of the year! Whether you view the highly anticipated Geminids meteor shower on your own or with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, you will be in for a brilliant treat!
Flickr/Danny Leung
The Phaethon has been given the name, “rock comet,” because it looks more like a comet than an asteroid.
Facebook/Valley of Fire State Park
The Geminids meteor shower was first noticed back in 1862 and is considered one of the most consistent meteors displays to occur regularly.
Flickr/Fresh Waffles
Mark your calendars for December 14th! That’s considered to be the peak night to view the Geminids meteor shower at its best and brightest.
Facebook/Friends of Nevada Wilderness
Incredibly, you can expect to view up to 120 meteors an hour!
Minimal light pollution means greater night sky viewing! The Geminids Meteor Shower Viewing is subject to weather. The price to attend is $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents. Those with an annual pass into the state parks or have a receipt from entering the park earlier in the same day do not have to pay the fee.
Facebook/Las Vegas Astronomical Society
The Geminids Meteor Shower Viewing is between 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on December 14, 2022. Dress comfortably in closed-toe shoes. It’s recommended to bring a blanket or chairs, as well as water. If you plan on attending, it’s best to bring red light as it helps with night vision and is less distracting to fellow stargazers.
Nevada is so fortunate to be home to some of the best stargazing skies in the world! Where is your favorite spot to spot a shooting star or meteor shower? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Have you visited the Dark Skies sanctuary in Nevada yet? Well, what are you waiting for?! It’s sure to be an amazing time.
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