Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is set to witness the peak of the Geminid meteor shower this weekend, on December 13 and 14, according to the Omani Astronomical Society.
Speaking about the phenomenon, Rayan Said al Ruwaishdi, a member of Oman Astronomical Society, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that this annual celestial event, known as the Geminids, originates from the Gemini constellation. However, she noted that 2024 may not be an ideal year for observing the shower, as its peak coincides with a full moon, which is likely to obscure the visibility of fainter meteors. Despite this, the Geminid meteors are renowned for their brightness and abundance, offering a chance to spot some during clear skies.
“The Geminid meteor shower has captivated stargazers for years. During a previous observation session, members of the Omani Astronomical Society reported 1,063 meteors over six hours, with around 227 meteors observed during its peak at midnight,” al Ruwaishdi said.
According to al Ruwaishdi, the meteor shower is caused by debris from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, discovered in 1983 by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS). This asteroid, known for its close orbit to the Sun, has a diameter of approximately 5.8 kilometers and is considered one of the rocky asteroids in proximity to the Sun.
The debris from Phaethon enters Earth’s atmosphere annually from December 7 to 17, creating a meteor display famed for its vivid colors and striking brilliance.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this astronomical phenomenon, clear skies and areas away from urban light pollution will offer the best viewing conditions.
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