Geminids Meteor Shower Blazes Across Northern Skies Tonight

The Geminids meteor shower peaked tonight, offering stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere a spectacular display of shooting stars. According to NASA, the shower produced meteors zipping through the heavens at a rate of 120 an hour, with the best view available to those in the Northern Hemisphere, although the meteor shower was also visible in the Southern Hemisphere. The Geminids meteor shower is one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year, and astronomers have been eagerly anticipating its peak. "The Geminids are one of the most active and reliable showers of the year," said Dr. Bill Cooke, a meteor expert at NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office. "It's a great opportunity for people to get out and see some meteors, and it's a great way to learn about the science behind meteor showers." The Geminids meteor shower originates from Asteroid 3200 Phaethon, a relatively small celestial body that is about 3.17 miles across. Scientists are still trying to understand the nature of Phaethon, which is an asteroid, not a comet. "Asteroids are rock, whereas comets are icy bodies that release gas and dust as they approach the Sun," explained Dr. Cooke. "Phaethon is a bit of an oddity because it's an asteroid that's producing a meteor shower, which is not typical behavior for an asteroid." The Geminids meteor shower has been a popular event for centuries, with ancient cultures observing the spectacle and trying to make sense of it. In modern times, the shower has become a beloved tradition for many stargazers, who gather in observatories and parks to watch the meteor display. "The Geminids are a great way to get people excited about astronomy and science," said Dr. Cooke. "It's a way to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty of the universe." The Geminids meteor shower is now over, but astronomers are already looking forward to next year's event. "We're always excited to see what the Geminids will bring," said Dr. Cooke. "It's a reminder that there's still so much to learn about the universe, and that there's always something new to discover."