It won’t be easy to miss the last great meteor shower of the year, which is quickly approaching and will be an especially rare one. According to NASA, the Geminid meteor shower, which occurs annually in mid-December, is among the best and most consistent. So, all the stargazers in Abu Dhabi get ready for the Geminids Meteor Shower this December. Here’s all you need to know about it.
Abu Dhabi To Witness Geminids Meteor Shower
The Geminid meteor shower is caused by 3200 Phaethon, a massive asteroid-like object, as opposed to most meteor showers, which are caused by comet debris. This December, this unique astrological occurrence will delight stargazers.
According to Bill Cooke, head of NASA’s Meteoroid Environments Office, the Geminids will peak this year on December 13 and into the early morning hours of December 14. He made this announcement to Business Insider.
Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere should be able to see the amazing show as early as 9pm or 10pm local time. Abu Dhabi is a fantastic location to observe the night sky because it is located in the northern hemisphere. On Thursday, December 14, look up into the sky as the Geminid meteor shower illuminates the heavens.
Also Read: Dubai Peeps Get Ready For Some Fun As Bubble Run Is Coming To Expo City Dubai This Jan 2024!
No Interference From Moonlight
However, NASA reports that the showers will be visible in the night sky everywhere, not just in the north. Additionally, Cooke told BI that this year’s showers will be especially spectacular and superior to previous years’ because the moon will only be 1% illuminated on December 13.
According to Cooke, you can see a Geminid on the peak side roughly once every two minutes if there is no interference from moonlight. While comets are the source of most meteor showers, asteroid showers, or geminids, have a blue appearance.
Wish to extend it into a night? The Mleiha Archaeological Center in Sharjah is hosting an event. It’s free to enter between 6 p.m. and early Friday, December 15, provided you purchase a ticket (Dhs 275 for adults and Dhs 200 for children).
If you’re looking for a peaceful, open area away from nighttime lights, which is usually an excellent choice, You can go to the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot. It takes about 90 minutes to get to the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain. To get there, you’ll need a 4×4 and some experience driving in the desert.
Advices From NASA
NASA says that you should walk somewhere away from the street and city lights to have the finest view of the Geminids Meteor Shower. It is preferable if the sky is darker. NASA advises lying flat on your back with your feet pointed south and gazing up at as much of the sky as you can.
Once you spend roughly half an hour in the dark, your eyes will adjust, and you will start to see meteors. Depending on where you live, you’ll probably want to pack some blankets and wear warm clothing. Cooke advises bringing hot chocolate in order to increase the specialness of the occasion.
Also Read: Marvel Fans, Assemble! Marvel Universe Live Shows Are Coming To Dubai; Special Fam Tics On Sale
We are so excited! Are you?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.