When and how to watch the most impressive meteor shower of the year planned for this weekend ?

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More intense than the famous summer Perseids, the Geminids are about to unveil their annual ballet on the night of December 13-14. This meteor shower, considered the most generous of the year with its 150 shooting stars per hour, promises an absolutely grandiose evening. Even if it will be tinged by the brightness of the full moon, which could hinder their observation in some cases. Get out your down jackets and prepare your peepers!

An extraordinary celestial phenomenon

The origin of the Geminids stems from an astronomical anomaly that continues to intrigue astrophysicists. While typical meteor showers are usually caused by debris left behind by comets in Earth's orbit, the Geminids are not. Their source, the hybrid asteroid 3200 Phaeton, discovered in 1982 by data from the IRAS (InfraRed Astronomical Satellite) satellite, has characteristics that are quite atypical for a rocky body.

Its orbit, unusually close to the Sun – it approaches it to within 0.14 astronomical units (about 21,000,000 km) – subjects it to extreme temperatures of up to 750°C. This exceptional solar proximity could explain its ability to generate debris, a typical cometary behavior. Astronomers believe that 3200 Phaeton is actually an extinct comet, a theory that would explain the remarkable abundance of debris constituting the Geminid shower.

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Instructions for optimal observation

To fully enjoy the show, a few precautions are necessary. You will, of course, have to move as far away as possible from urban areas to avoid any light pollution. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to get used to the darkness and be able to detect the faintest meteors.

Then look upwards, towards the Geminids radiant (the point from which the meteors seem to emanate), which is located in the constellation Gemini ; However, you can observe meteors all over the sky. To avoid the disturbance caused by the full moon, it is advisable to turn your back to it when observing.

Finally, don't forget the essentials for your comfort: a sleeping mat, a blanket, and warm clothes. An astronomy app like Star Walk 2 or Skyview can also help you explore the night sky. If you're not available this weekend, know that the phenomenon will continue, albeit with decreasing intensity, until December 21. For the most patient, the Ursids will then take over from December 21 to 24, emanating from the Big Dipper, with a more modest peak of activity of around ten meteors per hour on the night of December 21 to 22. Good show!

• The Geminids, the most spectacular meteor shower of the year, will reach their peak on the night of December 13 to 14.
• Unlike traditional rains, they come from a single asteroid, 3200 Phaeton, which behaves like an extinct comet.
• For an ideal observation, avoid city lights, let your eyes adapt to the darkness and turn your back on the full moon.

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