2024 Geminid Meteor Shower set to peek on Friday

Photo: Courtesy of The Lodge at Blue Sky

PARK CITY, Utah — The night skies over Park City will host a dazzling display as the Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak on December 13, 2024. Widely regarded as the year’s most active and reliable meteor shower, the Geminids promise up to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, stargazers this year may contend with the glow of a nearly full moon, which will obscure fainter meteors.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Geminids are active annually from November 19 to December 16, with their most spectacular moments occurring on the night of December 13 into the early hours of December 14. Unlike other meteor showers, such as the summer Perseids, the Geminids can be observed earlier in the evening, often starting around 9 p.m. The meteors appear to radiate from the Gemini constellation, which rises in the eastern sky shortly after sunset and reaches its zenith around 2 a.m.

Park City’s high-altitude location and typically clear winter skies make it a prime spot for celestial viewing, though this year’s moonlight may require an extra measure of patience. Bright meteors, the hallmark of the Geminids, will still be visible, particularly from dark-sky areas like the outskirts of town or higher elevations.

The Geminids’ unique origin further sets them apart from other meteor showers. Rather than being formed by debris from a comet, they originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. The Old Farmer’s Almanac highlights that Phaethon is classified as an extinct comet, leaving behind rocky debris that burns brightly as it enters Earth’s atmosphere. This composition gives Geminid meteors their vivid trails and slower speeds, making them easier to spot.

First observed in 1862, the Geminids have evolved from a modest display to one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year. Their steady movement and consistent activity make them a favorite for both seasoned stargazers and casual viewers.

For those in Park City, the 2024 Geminid meteor shower offers a chance to connect with the wonders of the night sky, even with the added challenge of lunar interference. Whether viewed from a backyard, a mountain trail, or a quiet spot outside city lights, the Geminids promise moments of awe and inspiration in the crisp December air.

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