The sky certainly knows how to put on an epic nighttime show. On any given evening, we can head outdoors after dark and gaze at the starry sky. Maybe we’ll outline a constellation and, if we’re really lucky, see a shooting star. Some nights, however, promise something even more spectacular – like a meteor shower. We’re barreling toward the biggest meteor shower in Rhode Island of the year, and you’ll definitely want to mark your calendar so you don’t miss it.
Considered by astronomers the most reliable and best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids will light up the nighttime sky now through Christmas Eve 2022.
Flickr/Abby Ostrom
However, the meteor shower will reach its peak during the overnight hours of December 13-14. If conditions are just right, NASA predicts that as many as 120 meteor showers will be visible each hour.
Flickr/Diana Robinson
The Geminids got their name from the constellation Gemini and have been a fixture in the nighttime sky each year since the 1800s. Back then, though, only about 20 meteor showers soared through the sky each hour.
Flickr/sagesolar Interestingly, although the Geminids are named after the constellation, they have nothing to do with it and can be seen throughout the entire nighttime sky.
While meteors are generally the result of comets, the Geminids emerged from an asteroid known as the 3200 Phaethon.
Flickr/Cliff Kimura
The Geminid meteors travel at a pace of 22 miles per second and often look yellow. There are a few things you can do, too, to increase your chances of seeing this annual celestial event.
Flickr/Jason Hullinger
The meteor shower usually begins between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. each evening, with the best views peaking at around 2 a.m. Your best bet is to find a dark area – like a dark sky park.
Flickr/jeffsmallwood
If that isn’t possible, just head to an area that’s as free of light pollution as possible. Give your eyes at least half an hour to adjust to the dark sky.
Flickr/David Wipf
Lying on the ground will give you the best vantage point. While you can view the Geminids every evening through Christmas Eve, try to get outdoors during the peak, overnight on December 13-14, 2022.
Flickr/Wendy Miller
Do you plan to catch the biggest meteor shower of the year in Rhode Island in December? Have you seen the Geminids meteor shower before? Let us know in the comments! Whether you want to catch this annual meteor shower or you’re just in the mood for a bit of stargazing, make your way to this dark sky park in Rhode Island.
Flickr/Abby Ostrom
Flickr/Diana Robinson
Flickr/sagesolar
Interestingly, although the Geminids are named after the constellation, they have nothing to do with it and can be seen throughout the entire nighttime sky.
Flickr/Cliff Kimura
Flickr/Jason Hullinger
Flickr/jeffsmallwood
Flickr/David Wipf
Flickr/Wendy Miller
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