Meteors sizzling in night sky
Published: Thu, Dec. 13, 2007 12:00AM
Modified Thu, Dec. 13, 2007 05:14AM
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closeThe annual Geminid meteor shower will speckle the sky over the next few nights. Astronomers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute near Brevard encourage skywatchers to take in the annual treat.
WHAT IS IT? The meteors result from particles of dust causing a glow as the particles enter the upper atmosphere of the Earth.
IS IT UNUSUAL? Yes and no. The showers occur every December. But in 1983, astronomers determined that the debris causing the Geminids is the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the sun and sheds dust. Most meteor showers are caused by debris from comets, not asteroids.
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WHERE CAN I SEE IT? Look into the eastern sky, starting as early as 10 p.m. tonight. The shower will peak at noon Friday, but it will still be visible for a couple of nights afterward. Go to a clear spot with a wide horizon, and avoid city lights. Currently, the brightest point in Gemini is the orange-red planet Mars, which is passing through the middle of the constellation.
DO I NEED A TELESCOPE? Neither a telescope nor binoculars are needed.
(Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute)
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