The Geminid Meteor Shower is once again upon us! From November 19 to December 24 we will be treated to this stellar phenomenon. It is predicted to peak on December 14 and 15, 2022, when we can look up into the night sky to see bright streaks of light as meteors burn up in our atmosphere. The Geminid Meteor Shower in Illinois will be visible across the state!
During the peak of this meteor shower, a waning gibbous moon will be lighting the sky much of the time. However, many of the meteors will still be bright enough to be clearly visible.
Diana Robinson/Flickr
This meteor shower is unlike others in that it is caused by an asteroid rather than a comet. NASA was able to get imagery of this asteroid, named 3200 Phaethon, in 1983 through its Infrared Astronomical Satellite.
NASA
We can generally see about 50 meteors per hour and on the optimum peak, we can see up to 120 meteors per hour!
Ian Forsyth/Getty Images News via Getty Images
As this chart shows, we are in no danger of being hit by these meteors as they burn up quickly in our atmosphere. Every year, we are treated to a stunning light show, with our sky as the stage.
NASA
For optimal viewing, it is best to find a place away from the light pollution of cities. Around 2 a.m. is best. Make sure to give your eyes ample time to adjust to the dark and bring some warm clothes and hot beverages to fully enjoy this spectacle.
Shannon Dizmang/Flickr
The meteors are not constant. They often appear in bursts, interspersed with the odd lone one. On occasion, a slow, long-lasting meteor called an earthgrazer will crawl across the sky. It’s rare, but if you are lucky enough to catch one, you won’t forget it!
Rocky Raybell/Flickr
To find good times to view the Geminid Meteor Shower on various nights, be sure to check the sunrise and sunset calendar for your area. We’re lucky in our state as we have the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, which is a known dark sky park where we can view the Geminid Meteor Shower in Illinois without any pesky light pollution. Have you seen this meteor shower in previous years? If you saw something special, let us know about it in the comments!
Diana Robinson/Flickr
NASA
Ian Forsyth/Getty Images News via Getty Images
Shannon Dizmang/Flickr
Rocky Raybell/Flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Illinois, USA
