Geminid meteor shower: How and when to view in Southeast Wisconsin
One of the most popular meteor showers of the year will take place Wednesday evening and Wisconsinites will have a chance to see the show! The Geminid meteor shower, one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, is set to take place on Wednesday evening in Wisconsin. The shower, caused by the debris of an asteroid, peaks during mid-December every year, with 120 shooting stars per hour observed. The show is best viewed during the night and early morning hours. The Geminids are bright and fast, with their peak being between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to NASA. The meteor shower is visible across the globe due to a nearly 24-hour broad maximum.
Published : 5 months ago by Madison Goldbeck, By: Madison Goldbeck in Weather Science
MILWAUKEE — One of the most popular meteor showers of the year will take place Wednesday evening and Wisconsinites will have a chance to see the show!
The Geminids meteor shower, which is caused by the debris of an asteroid, peaks during mid-December every year. During its peak, 120 Geminid meteors ("shooting stars") can be seen per hour under perfect conditions, according to NASA. Lucky for us, December's new moon will offer us dark skies for great viewing opportunities.
Geminids are bright and fast and tend to be yellow and bright white with green streaks.
If you're a stargazer, you won't want to miss this, so here is everything you need to know:
WHEN: The show starts Wednesday night around 9 or 10 p.m. and its peak is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
WHERE: The meteor shower is visible across the globe, according to NASA, due to a nearly 24-hour broad maximum.
VIEWING TIPS: First and foremost, get away from city lights and look to the darkest part of the sky!
According to NASA, Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours.
You should also give your eyes time to adjust to the dark skies. After 15-30 minutes, NASAsays you will begin to see meteors. Meteorologists say to be patient - the show will last until the morning, so you should have plenty of time.
Geminids appear to come from the constellation Gemini, the "Twins." NASAsays you should not just look to this constellation, because Geminids are visible throughout the night sky.
Topics: Wisconsin