Community Corner

Geminid Meteor Shower 2012: When and Where to Watch Thursday Night

The final major meteor shower of the year, the Geminid meteor shower 2012, will peak overnight on Thursday, Dec. 13 into Friday morning and if you are willing to stay up late you should be able to see a great show.

The final major meteor shower of the year, the Geminid meteor shower 2012, will peak overnight on Thursday, Dec. 13 into Friday morning and if you are willing to stay up late you should be able to see a great show. 

NASA reports that the Geminids is a relatively young meteor shower, with the first sightings occurring in the 1830s with rates of about 20 per hour. Over time the rate of visible meteors has increased and now viewers can expect to see 80 and 120 meteors per hour at its peak.

Earthsky.org reports viewers can begin to watch the Geminids starting at 9 or 10 p.m. on Thursday. The peak will likely be between 1 to 3 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14. That’s when the shower’s radiant point is highest in the sky as seen around the world.

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"With no moon to ruin the show, 2012 presents a most favorable year for watching the grand finale of the meteor showers," Earthsky reports. "Best viewing of the Geminids will probably be from about 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. on December 14."

So where can you see the meteor shower in the Fenway area of Boston? The problem in Boston is the overall glow of the city. If you can, get north or west of the city and find a dark park or area where you can easily see the stars. If not, you could try to view from the: 

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  • Banks of the Charles River
  • Fields with no overhead lights
  • Any areas of the city with a dark sky

If you have an idea for a good viewing spot please let us know in the comments section below.

Tips for watching
What to bring: You can comfortably watch meteors from many places, assuming you have a dark sky: your backyard or deck, the hood of your car, the side of a road. Consider a blanket or reclining lawn chair, a Thermos with a hot drink, binoculars for gazing along the pathway of the Milky Way. Be sure to dress warmly enough, bring a friend and be aware of your surroundings. 


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