Saturday, December 11, 2010

Catch A Falling Star...!


You know, if you are interested in meteor showers, you might want to check out the skies on Monday night!

According to the Almanac, there is going to be one heck of a nice, long light show then! It's a very interesting article, and some folks are willing to brave the cold to see something of this magnitude!

December 13/14—Geminids

The Geminid meteors should perform well after nightfall on Monday, December 13.

No other meteor shower boasts more meteors than the Geminids—with 75 per hour in a dark sky. Plus, viewing is all night (whereas most meteor showers are predawn)!

The bright and fast Geminds will appear to come from the northeast out of the Geminid twins.

Here are a few viewing tips to catch these "shooting stars."

* See the "date of maximum" which shows when meteor showers will be the strongest.
* Note that the "best viewing" times are usually predawn and late evening—when the Earth turns into the path of meteoroids as they enter the Earth's atmosphere.
* Where to look? The "point of origin" is where the flight course starts from. This is a good place to start.
* You don't need any special equipment! To enjoy this celestial event, just find a dark place free from man-made lights, spread a blanket on the ground, and look up in the dark night sky!

If you have any questions about this sky event, you might contact our blogging buddy "Dizzy Dick" right here! I think he might be able to help answer a lot of questions or at least point you in the right direction to get you started!

Now, if you are going to be outside for very long...I suggest we get some fresh coffee and sit in the kitchen so you can stock up! Better safe than sorry, ya know?

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to check when they can be the best seen over here since we are a couple of hours before You.

But then again, it´s completely dark here already around 4 pm and it doesn´t get any lighter until around 7:30 am again. They say that night will be clear and awfully cold too :-)

Thanks for the info!
Have a great day!
Christer.

Momlady said...

Appreciate the info. I'll put it on my calendar. You know, don't you, that on the 21st there'll be a full moon eclipse? An eventful sky this month. Coffee's appreciated. Have a glorious day!

Mechanic in Illinois said...

Neat story. I'm getting ready for the winter blast, coming saturday night into sunday. Snow and temps around zero. Have a good saturday.

HermitJim said...

Hey Christer...
I do hope that it will be visible there, as well as here!

Amazing things to watch! This is when it would be nice to be living in the country!

Thanks, buddy, for coming by today!


Hey Momlady...
All kinds of interesting things going on this month in the sky!

Good month to have your head in the clouds!

Thanks so much for coming by today!

2 Tramps said...

Thanks for reminder, H.J. - we used to be up on these events more but lately we have kind of forgotten about a few things. If the sky is clear we will go out. We have been able to see the space station recently from here - darned amazing.

HermitJim said...

Hey Mechanic...
Just a reminder that Winter is really here, huh?

It's cool here in Houston, but not cold! That's OK by me!

I appreciate you coming by today, buddy!


Hey 2 Tramps...
Well, it's not like you have a lot going on or anything...right?

I hope that Tramp1 feels like checking out the sky! How is he doing, BTW?

You guys take care, and thanks for coming by today!

Ben in Texas said...

Guess the absolute best viewing of that I have ever seen was out in the Alpine Texas area. of course on the beach down on south Padre Island is a good viewing place also.

HermitJim said...

Hey Ben...
I can see where Alpine would be a good viewing place! Not much to block the view, that's for sure!

Never thought about going to the beach to watch, that's another place where the view should be pretty good!

With all the lights around my place, I just hope I can get a glimpse of the shower!

Thanks, buddy, for dropping in today!

Ken said...

...thanx Jim,couple cold drinks and some shootin'stars to wish on,are needed 'bout now...

...but first the coffee this morn,gonna need a pot tho,i'm way behind

Rae said...

I really hope the sky is clear on Monday night. I would enjoy seeing this. I am fascinated by the night sky and stars anyway. It really makes one feel small though. Reminds of just how big this universe is. I am glad you posted this. I will be watching.

HermitJim said...

Hey Ken...
We could all use a little extra luck right about now!

I sure appreciate the visit today!


Hey Rae...
Sure is good to see you dropping by again!

It does indeed make you realize just how small we all are!

Thanks again for coming by today!

Dizzy-Dick said...

Yep HJ, the Geminid shower will be the night of Dec. 13/14 and it radiates from about the bright star Castor in Gemini. Early evening will be low and to the East (slightly to the north), but by 2:00 am they should radiate from almost directly over head. The moon will set around midnight giving a dark sky for better viewing. Keep looking upwards.

HermitJim said...

Hey Dizzy...
I figured that if anyone would know about the upcoming meteor shower, you would! Hope you don't mind that I put your contact in this post!

Thanks for the additional information, and for coming by today!

the dafthermits (Mel n andy and wee clan) said...

Hi Jim just the daft old hermit calling bye to send you some love and light from a frozen Scotland sorry it has been a while but just so busy getting ready for the winter will be back soon

Marjie said...

We have snow flurries here today. My paper told me to go out and look for the Geminids, too, but it didn't advise me how to look through the clouds! I don't think Dizzy Dick can help with that, sadly...