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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Geminid meteor shower peaks early Tuesday

Geminid meteor shower peaks early Tuesday

Published Dec 13, 2021 10:33 am

The view of the sky during the peak of the Geminid meteor shower at 2 a.m. on December 14, 2021. (PAGASA)

One of the most prolific meteor showers of the year is reaching its peak in the early hours of Tuesday, Dec. 14.

The Geminid meteor shower, which is produced by the debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, has been active since Dec. 4 and will be reaching its peak on Dec. 14, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

"The best time to observe Geminids is around 2 a.m. when its radiant, constellation Gemini, reaches its highest position in the sky," PAGASA said.

The Geminid meteor shower is different from other meteor showers as it does not originate from a comet but from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon.

Under a dark and cloudless sky and just after midnight of its peak activity, meteors or falling stars can be seen at an average rate of 40 or more meteors per hour.

However, PAGASA noted that the waxing gibbous phase of the moon during the peak of Geminids will likely produce a significant interference in the meteor shower observation throughout the night.

"Meteor showers can be observed through the naked eyed and there is no need to use special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars. To maximize the viewing experience, it is ideal to observe in a dark site away from the city lights under clear and moonless sky conditions," PAGASA said.

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