The Google search engine is celebrating the Geminid Meteor Shower on Thursday, 13 December, with a special doodle. The Doodle, in the form of a slideshow, follows the Geminids’ path through Earth’s atmosphere as it lights up the sky.
Every December, Earth’s orbit leads us through the trail of 3,200 Phaethon and its debris crashes into our atmosphere at 79,000 miles (127,000 km) per hour.
3200 Phaethon is an asteroid whose orbit brings it closer to our sun than Mercury. Consequentially, the extreme heat causes it to fracture and leaves a trail of debris in its orbital path.
Traditionally one of the best of the year, the Geminid Meteor Shower brings delight to skywatchers and stargazers alike, and if the night skies are clear, there will be reasons for serious skywatching parties.
And the best part? You can watch the meteor shower with a naked eye, so there will be no need to carry a telescope or binoculars.
Fragments from Phaethon’s debris trail will most likely become visible after 9 pm today, 13 December, peaking after midnight with as many as 120 meteors per hour.
However, the meteor shower 2018 will be visible in India between 4am and 9am on Saturday, 15 December.
In order to have the best viewing experience, get as far away from city lights as possible, face South, and remember to dress warmly as you enjoy one of the greatest shows on—or above—earth.
What’s noteworthy is that there’s little danger of any Geminids landing on our planet as it normally disintegrates in the earth’s atmosphere.
(With inputs from Google Doodle)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)