December will bring some of the best astronomical events of the year, as one of the best meteor showers to see peaks early next week. But first, we have another pretty cool sight to look at above us in the night sky. Astronomers say the planets will align with the Moon a few nights before, giving sky watchers a real photo op. AccuWeather says the Moon will align almost perfectly with Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter after sunset on Friday, December 10.
Early next week, the Geminid meteor shower will peak in the sky, giving viewers one of the best meteor showers of the year. AccuWeather says, “The Geminids peak on the night of Monday, December 13 to the early hours of Tuesday, December 14.” Over 100 meteors per hour could be seen in the sky over the Hudson Valley. One thing that could reduce viewing this year is a near full moon. Some years 120 to 180 meteors have been reported per hour with the Geminids.
The Geminid meteor shower is made up of debris left behind by rocky comet 3200 Phaethon. The meteor shower gets its name from the fact that it can be seen as white or yellowish streaks in the night sky, coming from the direction of the constellation Gemini. You’ll want to get as far away from city lights as possible for the best viewing opportunity. As for the weather forecast, The Weather Channel forecasters are forecasting partly cloudy skies for Monday evening. Of course, this is still a way out, so the forecast could change again.
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