Update: Shower continues Tuesday evening!
If you couldn't get out last night to watch the meteor shower . . . or if you couldn't get enough, the show continues tonight through Dec. 16th. The view atop Flagstaff Mountain was beautiful last night.
Don't miss out!
Get ready for what promises to be the best meteor shower of the year. While it looks to be a cold evening with temperatures in the 30s, the skies should be clear. Local Boulder Forecast
The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks from midnight to dawn, with up to 120 meteors per hour and will be visible through Dec. 16. The Geminid shower has consistently increased in size and intensity in the past years according to NASA Scientist Bill Cooke.
Earlier this year in August, the Perseid Meteor Shower peaked around 80 meteors per hour.
Pile on the warm weather gear, grab a flash light and choose from one of these suggested viewing locations around Boulder:
The Geminid Meteor Shower derives its name from the constellation in which the meteors appear. The constellation Gemini appears just above Orion and Taurus in the sky. Find the three stars comprising Orion’s belt. The belt points at one of the brightest stars in the sky, Aldebaron. Perpendicular to the belt is the constellation Gemini--the twins. Don’t worry, if you can’t find any of those stars, the meteors will cover the entire night’s sky. Star Map of Gemini, Orion and Taurus
For those unable to venture out to see the shower, or those interested in learning more about the Geminids, NASA meteor scientists Bill Cooke, Danielle Moore and Rhiannon Blaauw are conducting a online chat all night. Ask the expert: Live-chat with NASA scientists during the shower
Also appearing in tonight’s sky is Jupiter and its massive red spot. Look for it near the first quarter moon. Above the moon and Jupiter is the square of Pegasus.
For those hoping to learn more about the shower, here are a few helpful links:
Best Meteor Shower of the Year
Geminid Meteor Shower Defies Explanation
It’s a Hot Night for Cool Meteors
Google Sky
Google Sky for Android
Earlier this year in August, the Perseid Meteor Shower peaked around 80 meteors per hour.
Pile on the warm weather gear, grab a flash light and choose from one of these suggested viewing locations around Boulder:
- Sanitas Trail - Take Mapleton Avenue west past the Boulder Community Hospital. Parking is on the south side of the road shortly thereafter. The trailhead begins on the north side of the road. Hike up the valley route and enjoy the view from the valley.
- Boulder Reservoir - Take 51st Street north from Jay Road past the reservoir. At the north end of the reservoir is a parking lot, or you can continue along the north shore for a lake-side view.
- Flagstaff Mountain - Take Baseline Road west. It will turn into Flagstaff Rd. as it begins to work it’s way up the mountain. Continue past the Flagstaff House, Flagstaff Amphitheater and continue to the lookout just past Flagstaff Summit Road.
- Bear Canyon Trail - Park along Wildwood Road and walk west along the trail as far as you please to find a good viewing location.
The Geminid Meteor Shower derives its name from the constellation in which the meteors appear. The constellation Gemini appears just above Orion and Taurus in the sky. Find the three stars comprising Orion’s belt. The belt points at one of the brightest stars in the sky, Aldebaron. Perpendicular to the belt is the constellation Gemini--the twins. Don’t worry, if you can’t find any of those stars, the meteors will cover the entire night’s sky. Star Map of Gemini, Orion and Taurus
For those unable to venture out to see the shower, or those interested in learning more about the Geminids, NASA meteor scientists Bill Cooke, Danielle Moore and Rhiannon Blaauw are conducting a online chat all night. Ask the expert: Live-chat with NASA scientists during the shower
Also appearing in tonight’s sky is Jupiter and its massive red spot. Look for it near the first quarter moon. Above the moon and Jupiter is the square of Pegasus.
For those hoping to learn more about the shower, here are a few helpful links:
Best Meteor Shower of the Year
Geminid Meteor Shower Defies Explanation
It’s a Hot Night for Cool Meteors
Google Sky
Google Sky for Android
No comments:
Post a Comment