Have you ever imagined seeing more than a hundred meteors crossing the sky in a single hour? The Geminids meteor shower, one of the most anticipated on the astronomical calendar, is expected to offer this spectacle on Saturday evening (13), with a forecast of up to 120 light rays per hour. The phenomenon is distinguished by the slow movements and intense luminosity of the meteors, which come from the radiant of the constellation Gemini, close to the star Castor.
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Observing conditions will be particularly favorable this year, according to forecasts from international centers such as NASA and the International Astronomical Union. Without interference from the Moon, which will be in a dimly lit phase, the sky will tend to remain darker, thus increasing the chances of observing the phenomenon with the naked eye. Experts stress that binoculars and telescopes should be avoided because they reduce the field of view needed to follow light trails.
Hours vary depending on the region of the country
According to Urânia Planetário, in Brazil, the visibility window changes depending on the location. In the North and North-East, rain should start to be felt around 9:30 p.m. In the Midwest and Southeast, the first meteors tend to appear around 11 p.m. To the South, the radiant will only be high enough on the horizon around 11:59 p.m., almost at the turn of the 14th.
For those who prefer to follow from home, Urânia Planetário will broadcast live on YouTube with astronomer Marcos Calil, including recordings which will remain available on the official channel. For in-person viewing, it is recommended to seek out dark locations, away from urban areas, where light pollution does not compromise the experience.
The peak of rain is expected to occur around 2 a.m., when the radiant reaches the celestial meridian line. It is at this time that the number of visible meteors increases significantly. To enjoy the spectacle, simply lie back, look up, and let the night sky reveal one of the most striking astronomical phenomena of the year.
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