(ORDO NEWS) — The Geminids and Ursids meteor showers will peak on the nights of December 14 and December 22, respectively.
The Geminids are one of the most powerful annual meteor showers. It is valid from 4 to 17 December.
On the night of December 13-14, astronomers predict the peak of starfall activity. The meteor emission region (radiant) will be located near the star Castor in the constellation Gemini.
“According to the forecasts of the International Meteor Organization, up to 150 meteors per hour are expected. The Geminid meteors are white and bright. They can fall very often.
The conditions for observing the Geminid in 2022 are unfavorable.
The moon is close to the last quarter and will interfere with the observation of meteors,” clarified in the planetarium, adding that the flow rate will be low – about 35 km / s.
The Ursida stream, observed from December 17 to 27, will reach its maximum activity on the longest night of the year – from December 21 to 22. It can only be seen in the Northern Hemisphere.
“In terms of the speed of meteor flight, the stream is very similar to the Geminids, but in terms of brightness and frequency, its meteors are much weaker. Up to 10 meteors per hour are expected.
The radiant is located near the North Pole, in the constellation Ursa Minor. For observers from the South hemispheres of Ursida are not visible,” the astronomers also explained.
The conditions for observing Ursids in 2022 were called favorable by scientists. The moon tending to the new moon (December 23) will not interfere with observations.
Mars eclipse
Among the December astronomical events is the eclipse of Mars by the Moon, which will coincide with the opposition of Mars and the full moon.
Such coverings of the planets by the Moon are always short-term – the duration of the eclipse does not exceed one hour.
“On December 8 in the morning, three astronomical events will occur at once: the full moon, the opposition of Mars and the covering of Mars by the full moon.
All three phenomena will occur in the morning, almost at the same time from 7:00 time,” the planetarium said.
The brightness of Mars at this time will be maximum for a two-year period, which will create favorable conditions for observing the event.
—
Online:
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.