Bengaluru to witness Geminids meteor shower. Here's when and how to watch

The famous Geminids meteor show is most likely to be seen late at night on December 13 and in early hours of December 14. Meteors will be visible through our naked eyes. People will be able to see a colourful and stunning sky with great amazement and surprise.

The meteor showers may be best viewed in nearby places of Bengaluru like Hessarghatta, Bannerghatta, Devarayanadurga and Kolar. To view, the Geminids find a location far from city lights and no tall buildings around.

Due to the winter season bring a blanket, sleeping bag, and lawn chair. With the feet pointing south, lie flat on the back and look up at the sky with full focus. Wait patiently and the eyes will adjust after around 30 minutes in the dark and meteors will start to appear. Also, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium has scheduled special events to view the shower.


The object 3200 Phaethon causes the Geminids which is considered one of the best and most consistent annual meteor showers. The meteors come from the radiant in the constellation Gemini and this is from where the name Geminids meteor show came. The meteor activity count is approximately 120 meteors per hour and travels with a velocity of 79,000 mph.

Asteroids and leftover comet particles are the sources of meteors. These objects leave a trail of dust behind them as they orbit the sun. Each year, Earth travels through these debris trails, allowing the pieces to crash into our atmosphere and then explode leaving blazing, colourful and vibrant streaks in the sky.

FAQ

1-When was the Geminid meteor shower seen for the first time?
Geminids were first observed in 1862.

2-The Geminid meteor shower is seen in which hemisphere?
Every year it lights up the sky in the Northern hemisphere.