Geminid Meteor Shower

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1 Geminid Meteor Shower 2005

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Geminid Meteor Shower 2005

Click here for a list of the other major meteor showers

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When to Observe

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2005 Geminids Peak

Maximum activity occurs near December 14 (about 04:00h UT). The peak of the Geminids coincides with the Full Moon greatly reducing the number of observable meteors.

Location	Local Time	Observability/Comments
Greenwich (UT)	02:24	Early morning - optimal time and location
New York	20:24	Evening
Chicago	19:24	Early evening - best to start at twilight and into the night after the peak
Phoenix	18:24	Early evening - best to start at twilight and into the night after the peak
Los Angeles	17:24	Late afternoon - best to start at twilight and into the night after the peak
Tokyo	11:24	Late morning - best to try and catch the shower in the morning of the 13th
Mosco	06:24	Morning - best to try and catch the shower in the morning of the 13th
Paris	03:24

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Observing Tips

You do not need a telescope to observe a meteor shower. While you can use binoculars to try and catch the faint ones, naked eye observing will give you the widest possible field of view.

Observe under dark skies - the maximum rate of 10 - 20 meteors per hour is based on observing the shower's peak from a dark location, with the radiant at the zenith (i.e. directly overhead). Since very few people will observe the peak under this very specific condition, a dark location is necessary to maximize the chances of seeing more meteors
Have a blanket or sleeping bag handy - even though the days may be hot, the overnight temps cool down and an inactive body will get cold
Sit in a reclining chair or deck chair - even a short 30 minute observing session will put a strain on your neck.
After midnight, observe about 45 degrees altitude in the Northeast
Observe just passed the radiant - meteors can occur in any part of the sky but the strongest activity will be close to the radiant.

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Meteor Discussion Group

You can join the new Meteor Observing discussion group to ask questions and/or share your experiences. This is a great place to discussions meteors, meteor showers and fireballs.

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