The Ultimate Guide to the December 2020 Meteor Shower: Geminids & Ursids!
Hello, stargazers! Are you ready to light up your December nights with some celestial magic? Well, buckle up because we've got two spectacular meteor showers lined up just for you: the Geminids and the Ursids! Let's dive right in and make the most of these December 2020 meteor showers! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and december meteor shower 2020.
What are Meteor Showers?
Before we get started, let's quickly recap what meteor showers are. In simple terms, they're like nature's own fireworks display! When Earth passes through the debris left behind by comets or asteroids, those tiny pieces of space rock burn up in our atmosphere, creating streaks of light across the night sky. Pretty cool, huh?
December 2020 Meteor Showers: Geminids & Ursids
The Geminids: The King of Meteor Showers
When to Watch
The Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night of December 13-14, 2020, but you can start spotting meteors from December 4 all the way to December 17. The best time to watch is during the wee hours of the morning, around 2 AM local time, when the radiant (the point in the sky where the meteors appear to come from) is highest in the sky.
What to Expect
The Geminids are one of the best meteor showers of the year! With up to 120 meteors per hour at their peak, you're in for a real treat. And the good news? You don't need any special equipment to watch them – just your eyes and a clear, dark sky!
How to Watch
- 1. Find a dark spot: Get away from city lights and find a spot with a wide-open view of the sky.
- 2. Let your eyes adjust: Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness.
- 3. Keep it warm: Bundle up, grab a blanket, and get comfortable. You'll be spending some time under the stars!
- 4. Look for the radiant: The Geminid radiant is in the constellation Gemini, but you don't need to know your constellations to enjoy the show. Just look up and enjoy the streaks of light!
The Ursids: The Quiet but Mighty One
When to Watch
The Ursid meteor shower peaks on the night of December 21-22, 2020, but you can spot meteors from December 17 to 25. The best time to watch is around 1 AM local time.
What to Expect
The Ursids might not be as famous as the Geminids, but they're still a worthy contender! With rates up to 10 meteors per hour at their peak, they're a great way to cap off your December meteor shower season.
How to Watch
Just like the Geminids, follow the same steps to watch the Ursids: find a dark spot, let your eyes adjust, keep warm, and enjoy the show!
Tips for Watching Meteor Showers
- 1. Be patient: It can take up to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Don't give up if you don't see meteors right away!
- 2. Use a chair or blanket: Make yourself comfortable so you can stay out for a longer period.
- 3. Don't look at your phone: Your eyes need to be adapted to the dark to see meteors. Looking at your phone will reset your eyes' adaptation to the dark.
- 4. Watch with friends: Meteor showers are more fun with company! Grab some blankets, snacks, and enjoy the celestial spectacle together.
When to Watch Based on Your Location
While the peak times are the same worldwide, the best time to watch can vary depending on your location. Use this tool to find the best viewing times for your area: TimeandDate.com - Meteor Showers
Capturing the Magic
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try capturing the meteor showers on camera. Here are some tips to get you started:
- 1. Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera: You'll need a camera that allows you to adjust settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
- 2. Use a wide-angle lens: This will help you capture more of the night sky.
- 3. Find a dark spot: The darker the better for capturing meteors.
- 4. Set your camera to manual mode: Start with an ISO of 800, an aperture of f/2.8, and a shutter speed of 15-30 seconds.
- 5. Use a tripod: This will help keep your camera steady and capture sharper images.
- 6. Take lots of photos: Meteors are unpredictable, so the more photos you take, the better your chances of capturing one!
Happy Stargazing!
There you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide to the December 2020 meteor showers. Now get out there, bundle up, and enjoy the celestial magic of the Geminids and Ursids! Don't forget to share your photos and experiences with us – we'd love to see them!
Until next time, clear skies!