New York: It's time for one of the best meteor showers of the year. According to the American Meteor Society, the Geminids will be visible worldwide through mid-December.
Skywatchers can expect up to 120 meteors per hour under dark, clear skies, according to NASA.
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What Causes the Geminid Meteor Shower?
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left by asteroids or comets. Most meteor showers come from cometary leftovers, but the Geminids are different.
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The Geminid shower originates from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the Sun. As these space rocks enter Earth's atmosphere, they burn up, creating bright streaks of light that we see as meteors.
Where to Watch the Geminid Meteor Shower in India
The Geminids are visible around the world, but the Northern Hemisphere offers the best view.
To get the best experience, find a location away from city lights, which can block faint meteor views.
How to Enjoy the Geminid Meteor Shower
To enjoy the Geminid meteor shower, you will need to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Experts suggest lying back in a reclining chair or on a blanket.
Avoid looking at bright lights, especially from your phone.
Allow at least 15-20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the night sky before the meteors appear as tiny glows streaking across the sky.
“The other stars are going to be all stationary, so you’ll see this moving across the sky, and it’ll leave a little tail behind it,” said Bethany Cobb Kung, an astronomer with George Washington University.