The last major meteor shower of 2024, the Geminids, will be visible in Ukraine this week. Don't miss this stunning celestial display!

Throughout the year, Earth passes through several meteor showers, commonly referred to as "shooting stars." This phenomenon occurs when small cosmic rocks or meteors enter the atmosphere, burning up and leaving behind bright streaks of light. One of the most powerful and eagerly anticipated meteor showers every year is the Geminids. During the peak of this meteor shower, it is possible to witness over 100 meteors falling to Earth every hour. The peak of the Geminid meteor shower will occur this week, according to Space.

Each year, from mid-November to the end of December, our planet travels through the Geminid meteor shower, which can only be rivaled in meteor count by the Perseids. This year, Earth began its passage through the Geminids on November 19 and will exit on December 24. However, the peak of the Geminid meteor shower will happen on the night of December 13-14, that is, from Friday to Saturday this week. It is expected that around 120 meteors will burn up in the atmosphere, falling at speeds of over 30 km/h. During the peak of the meteor shower, it is best to observe them with the naked eye.

However, there is one issue this year that may hinder the full enjoyment of the "shooting stars." During the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, the Moon will be full. This means it will reflect a significant amount of sunlight. Scientists believe that this light will likely overshadow the smaller and dimmer meteors, but some of the larger meteors will still be visible in the night sky.

The source of the Geminid meteor shower is the asteroid (3200) Phaethon. In other words, the Geminids are fragments of this asteroid that orbit the Sun. (3200) Phaethon is an unusual asteroid that behaves like a comet, periodically releasing a stream of gaseous sodium resembling a comet's tail. The orbital period of the asteroid, that is, the time it takes to orbit the Sun, is 1.4 years. Scientists believe that in the distant past, another asteroid collided with (3200) Phaethon, resulting in a cloud of debris that Earth passes through each year.

The Geminid meteor shower always originates from the part of the sky where the constellation Gemini is located, after which these "shooting stars" are named. This year, the meteor shower will become visible during the peak activity on the night of December 13-14, starting around 10 PM and can be observed throughout the night until sunrise. Scientists recommend looking in the direction opposite the Moon towards the darkest part of the sky to best see the larger meteors burning up in the atmosphere.

Even if you miss the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, scientists still believe it will be partially visible each night until December 24. Although it will be a different, less spectacular sight.