Get a good view of the Geminid meteor shower

It’s billed as one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year and it comes into view for Kamloops and Okanagan residents starting tonight.

This year’s Geminid meteor shower can be seen in our night skies from Dec. 4 to Dec. 17 this year, with the annual event expected to peak on the night of Dec. 13-14.

According to EarthSky.org, the Geminids are considered “a very reliable shower” for viewing bold, bright and quick meteors.

The best viewing time is a 2 a.m. – insomniacs take note – but you’ll see the odd meteor from 9 p.m. on each night as the meteor shower builds to its peak next weekend.

This month’s new moon falls on Dec. 14, which coincides with a relatively moonless night for the Geminids’ peak this year. On a dark night near the peak, be prepared for up to 50 meteors an hour this year.

Solarsystem.nasa.gov says the Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours, with meteors starting between 9 and 10 p.m. The meteors can be seen all over the night sky.

Some viewing tips include:

• find an area well away from city or street lights
• come prepared to view under winter temperatures with a sleeping bag or lawn chair
• arrive early enough to adapt to the darkness, which takes about 30 minutes
• be patient as meteor showers tend to come in spurts, with lulls in between

Some of the best early viewing of the Geminids will likely be this weekend, with Environment Canada calling for cloud periods Friday through Sunday night for Kamloops and the Okanagan. Skies are expected to cloud over on Monday.

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