Last chance this year!"Gemini Meteor Shower" to light up the skies on the 4th — 120 meteors per hour

▲The Gemini Meteor Shower is about to arrive. (Photo / Digitart Images / AP)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Don’t miss your chance to see a meteor shower this year!“Gemini Meteor Shower,” one of the three major annual meteor showers, will appear from the late night of December 4 to December 17. This is your final opportunity to witness this stunning celestial event this year. Characterized by exceptionally bright meteors, the Gemini Meteor Shower can be observed with the naked eye in any outdoor location free from light pollution and cloud cover. So make sure to look up during the clear nights over the coming days.

According to the Tainan Nanwun Astronomy Museum, the Gemini Meteor Shower is expected to reach its peak on the afternoon of December 14 at 14:30. Under ideal viewing conditions, up to 120 meteors per hour may be visible near the zenith. Therefore, as long as weather permits after nightfall on the 14th, you’ll have excellent opportunities for meteor viewing throughout the night.

The Nanwun Astronomy Museum further explained that most meteor showers originate from debris left behind by periodic comets along their orbital paths. However, the Gemini Meteor Shower and the Quadrantid Meteor Shower are currently the only two known showers caused by the asteroids themselves, making them the most highly anticipated astronomical events of the year leading up to Christmas.

But if you’re planning to watch the Gemini Meteor Shower, be aware that the Central Weather Bureau has reminded the public that from December 4 to 10—close to the 15th day of the lunar month—the moon may become the biggest source of “light pollution,” hindering visibility. However, after the 10th, as long as you’re in an outdoor area free from light pollution and cloud cover—even at low altitudes—you can enjoy this beautiful meteor shower without any special equipment.

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