{"id":21202,"date":"2022-12-13T18:00:02","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T17:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=132662"},"modified":"2022-12-13T18:42:14","modified_gmt":"2022-12-13T17:42:14","slug":"how-to-see-the-geminid-meteor-shower-2022-in-the-uk-tonight","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/how-to-see-the-geminid-meteor-shower-2022-in-the-uk-tonight\/","title":{"rendered":"How to see the Geminid meteor shower 2022 in the UK tonight"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Thomas Ling\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 13 December 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Want to see a shooting star? Your luck is in: tonight, the Geminid meteor shower, one of the biggest showers of 2022, will sprinkle the sky with streaks of bright light.<\/p>\n

In fact, at the shower\u2019s peak, from 13 to 14 December, you can expect to see up to 150 shooting stars per hour in good conditions.<\/p>\n

So, what is the best way to see the\u00a0shower? Where exactly do you have to look? And do you have to venture outside in sub-zero temperatures to see a meteor? (Spoiler: absolutely not!)<\/p>\n

To answer these questions and more, we\u2019ve enlisted the help of Dr Darren Baskill<\/a>, astronomy lecturer at the University of Sussex.<\/p>\n

Plus, if you\u2019re looking for more stargazing tips, be sure to check out our astronomy for beginners<\/a>\u00a0guide and our\u00a0full Moon UK<\/a>\u00a0calendar.<\/p>\n

When can you see the Geminid<\/strong> meteor shower 2022 in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Geminid meteor shower will peak on 13-14 December <\/strong>for those in the UK and around the northern hemisphere.<\/p>\n

The meteors can be seen at any time of night, but the darker it is, the better your visibility. But if you\u2019re absolutely determined to catch as many meteors as possible, the Geminids will peak at 5am, UK time, on 14 December.<\/p>\n

However, don\u2019t worry if you miss the peak: you may be able to spot meteors from the Geminids until 20 December.<\/p>\n

How many meteors will I be able to see in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A fair number. The zenith hourly rate, or ZHR, of the meteor shower<\/a> is 150, meaning you should be able to see that number every hour in perfect conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn reality, due to light pollution, you\u2019ll probably only get to see 20 an hour. However, that still means you\u2019ll hopefully be able to catch one every few minutes,\u201d says Baskill.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How can I see the Geminid meteor shower?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Geminid\u2019s meteors will appear to originate from the same place in the night sky: the constellation of Gemini (hence \u2018Geminid\u2019).<\/p>\n

Fortunately, finding Gemini is fairly easy. To start, you need to locate Orion, a constellation including three stars in a row making up Orion\u2019s Belt (check out our\u00a0beginner\u2019s guide to astronomy<\/a>\u00a0if you need a refresher). From there, look up and to the left and you\u2019ll see two bright stars, Castor and Pollux from the constellation Gemini.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
An illustration of Orion \u00a9 Peter Lawrence<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re struggling, we recommend using an app such as Skylite (available for free on Android<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Apple<\/a>\u00a0devices).<\/p>\n

Still can\u2019t find Gemini? Don\u2019t worry \u2013 you\u2019ll still be able to see shooting stars aplenty. \u201cAlthough most meteors will come from this point, they can appear anywhere in the night sky. This means, ideally, you should be looking at as much of the night sky as possible,\u201d says Baskill.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can get really bright ones overhead or all over the horizon. If in doubt, just look up!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The constellation of Gemini, as seen with the naked eye. The Geminds appear to originate from Gemini, although their true source is from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon \u00a9 Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Unfortunately, this year, the Moon will be mostly full (in its waning gibbous phase), which will reduce the number of meteors you see. Also, white snow and frost on the ground reflecting light<\/a> will reduce visibility.<\/p>\n

The good news is that you should still be able to see plenty regardless. \u201cYes, the Moon will be a hindrance. But one of the great things about this shower is how bright and slow-moving the meteors are \u2013 they\u2019re the brightest of the year. You can see some spectacular fireballs \u2013 I have seen some amazing ones from inside in the past!\u201d says Baskill.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s right: shooting stars may be seen from your upstairs window. You may not see as many from inside your house (visibility will be better outside in a dark place away from major lights), but this will mean avoiding dangerous icy conditions outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cOutside, you\u2019ll see one every few minutes, but inside \u2013 depending on your luck \u2013 you may see one every five to 10 minutes,\u201d says Baskill.<\/p>\n

If you are viewing the shower from indoors, make sure to turn your lights off and let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes. You can go that long without checking your phone, right?<\/p>\n

Read more about meteors:<\/strong><\/p>\n