Stargazers in Houston, prepare for a light show in the sky this week as the Geminid Meteor Shower is set to peak tonight. Those in Texas could witness what is hailed as one of the year's most spectacular celestial events—if the clouds steer clear, that is. According to Click2Houston, the forecast for mostly cloudy skies might cast a shadow on the otherwise stellar display.
But don't pack up your blankets just yet. The Geminids, stemming from a shower of debris from the asteroid '3200 Phaethon,' are bright and intensely colored thanks to their rocky rather than dusty origins. They put on an energetic performance at speeds of roughly 79,000 mph, creating vivid streaks across the sky. A moonless evening following a new moon on December 12 is likely to enhance the view, ensuring that the faintest meteors won't be washed out by moonlight, as detailed by Chron.com.
Under perfect conditions, NASA estimates up to 120 meteors per hour could be visible. To catch a glimpse of this astronomic marvel, Houstonians are encouraged to look towards the darkest part of the sky between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday, with the absolute best time pin-pointed between midnight and 2 a.m. No special equipment is necessary, just your patience and perhaps a cozy blanket to combat the expected chilly temperatures of around 51 degrees.
Adventurous souls might consider a short drive out of the city's bright lights to nearby state parks such as Brazos Bend, Stephen F. Austin, or Galveston Island State Parks, where overnight camping could provide an even better backdrop for the Geminids. "Lie flat on your back with your feet facing south and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible," recommends NASA. "After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors," as mentioned by Chron.com.
