How to observe Geminid meteor shower in Vietnam?

However, because the shower will peak just before a full moon, viewing may be affected. According to NASA, the light from the moon will obscure fainter meteors during the shower's peak.

"However, the Geminids are known for their bright meteors, and shooting stars from this constellation are often spotted a week before their peak. If you wake up early enough before dawn, you might catch a streak of stars streaking across the morning sky," according to NASA.

The Geminids, one of the best and clearest meteor showers of the year, is underway and is expected to peak on the night of December 13 into the morning of December 14.

When and where to see meteor showers?

Bill Cooke, head of NASA's Meteorite Environment Office, said the light from the full moon will reduce Geminid visibility by 50-75% during its peak this year. However, the brightest meteors will still be visible.

In Vietnam, the Geminid meteor shower peaks from the night of December 13 to around 4 a.m. on December 14.

The Geminid meteor shower can be seen all over the world and throughout the night sky. For optimal viewing conditions, find a location away from city lights and streetlights, then lie down with your feet facing south. It will take about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

NASA recommends bringing a sleeping bag or blanket to keep you cool while waiting for Geminid.

Meteor showers occur at the same time each year and can last for days or weeks. But there is only a short period of time during which each shower reaches its peak, which occurs when Earth passes through the densest part of the shower.

What makes the Geminids different from other meteor showers?

The Geminids are one of the most powerful meteor showers of the year, producing up to 120 meteors per hour under perfect conditions, according to NASA.

While most meteor showers originate from comets, the Geminids actually come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. NASA researchers say the asteroid acts like a “weird comet.”

And NASA says while most meteors appear colorless or white, Geminids are often yellow.

The annual Geminid meteor shower first appeared in the mid-1800s.

Phuong Anh (Synthesis)

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