Fri Dec 13 20:44:50 UTC 2024: ## Geminid Meteor Shower to Dazzle India with 120 Meteors Per Hour This Week
**MUMBAI, INDIA** – Stargazers in India are in for a treat this week as the annual Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak. The celestial spectacle, known for its vibrant golden streaks, will be visible on the nights of December 13th and 14th, offering up to 120-150 meteors per hour.
Unlike most meteor showers originating from comets, the Geminids are debris shed by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, a unique space rock described as a hybrid asteroid-rock comet. As Phaethon nears the Sun, it releases rocky fragments that burn brilliantly upon entering Earth’s atmosphere at incredible speeds.
Although the shower’s radiant point lies in the constellation Gemini, meteors will be visible across the night sky. The show begins around 9 or 10 PM, making it a family-friendly event. While a near-full moon will be present, the American Meteor Society assures minimal interference with viewing.
The Geminids have significantly increased in intensity since their discovery in the mid-1800s, a phenomenon attributed to Jupiter’s gravitational influence drawing the meteor stream closer to Earth.
No special equipment is needed to enjoy the show. Simply find a dark location away from city lights, lie back with your feet facing south, and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Patience is key, as the meteors will appear at their own pace, creating a breathtaking display.
First Piper 