If there is one thing that we love here at Only in Colorado (aside from hikes, local restaurants, and grilling in the snow, that is!), it’s meteor showers, so anytime we catch wind of one, you know that we will get the details to pass along! This time, it is the Geminid meteor shower, which may just be the biggest and boldest this year:
Hitting the skies November 19th through December 24th (2022) is the must-see Geminids, a popular meteor shower that - unlike most shooting stars that come from a comet - originates from a Palladian asteroid.
Flickr/Scott Butner
Expected to peak on December 13th and 14th, the Geminids will rise mid-evening and be at their highest around 2 a.m.
Flickr/Diana Robinson
Since they originate from a “rock comet” orbit, the meteors move slower than others, making them easier to spot than most showers.
Flickr/Dirk Essl
In addition to their slower speed, the Geminids are unique in that they can be seen much earlier in the evening, as the Gemini consolation rises a few hours after dark.
Flickr/Tom Lee
Keep your eyes peeled, as the Geminids have been known to produce showers with anywhere from 75 to 120 meteors per minute!
Flickr/AmyM Howard
Please note: Since this is a December meteor shower, you will want to bundle up (and make some cocoa) before venturing outside.
Flickr/Henry Lee
To learn even more about the Geminid meteor shower (and others throughout the year), please visit our friends at Earthsky.org.
Flickr/Scott Butner
Flickr/Diana Robinson
Flickr/Dirk Essl
Flickr/Tom Lee
Flickr/AmyM Howard
Flickr/Henry Lee
Do you have a favorite event, attraction, or restaurant that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it here! For the absolutely perfect place to watch the Geminids, you will want to check out Mesa Verde National Park Was Named The Fourth International Dark Sky Park In Colorado.
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