Geminids Meteor Shower 2016: How To Catch This Annual Show And Other December Sightings

By Erika Ivene - 02 Dec '16 09:23AM

Although meteor showers come unexpectedly and without an exact schedule, there are showers that could be expected in certain months. November has passed leaving memories of the Leonid and Taurid meteor rains. There's no need to wait another year before experiencing new sets of night sky extravaganza, December has come and it hosts the Geminids meteor shower.

According to the National Geographic, the December night sky will feature at least 8 spectacles of lights. A series of different sky events will likely happen from meteor showers to supermoon sightings to a spectacular view of nearby planets from time to time.

Geminid Meteor Shower

The Geminid meteor shower happens during December every year brought about by the Paethon asteroid debris, reports The Mirror. The shower will brighten the skies on December 12 to 15. Avid stargazers account that each year, they were able to witness about 120 - 160 meteors per hour. No professional equipment is required to witness this meteor shower, says Bustle. However, it is better to be watched on a wide-open sky, away from busy city lights.

Moon, Venus, and Mars

The planets Venus and Mars won't show in the sky at the same time, however, they will both be accompanied by the moon. About 30 minutes to an hour after the sun sets on December 3, the moon and Venus can be seen. Venus can be spotted just about 7 degrees below the moon in the southwest sky. Meanwhile, the red planet, Mars, will be seen at the left side of the moon on the dusk of December 4th.

The Supermoon

NASA emphasized that this December 14 Supermoon will be 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the normal moon appearance. This Supermoon is also known as the Perigee Full Moon, which means "near the Earth" and will be one of the full moon's closest orbits to the Earth.

Aside from these sky events, December also hosts what scientists call the Winter Solstice. The longest night of the year will take place on December 21st. These events will give an even brighter, more memorable Christmas season to all skylights enthusiasts.