The Boldest And Biggest Meteor Shower Of The Year Will Be On Display Above West Virginia In December
December, the darkest month of the year. That’s thanks to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, which always occurs just before Christmas (December 21). But perhaps it’s this intense level of darkness that accounts for part of the reason why the Geminids, an annual meteor shower that will peak in 2022 on December 13-14, are such a welcome way to add a little light to some of these dark, cold nights!
Be watching the night sky above West Virginia during the window of December 4 through December 17, 2022 for the Geminids meteor shower.
The Geminids are one of the year's most consistent and active meteor showers, plus astronomers believe that this particular shower grows more intense year by year.
These shooting stars originate from a Palladian asteroid rather than a comet, making this meteor shower extra unique. They appear to shoot out (radiate) from the constellation Gemini, which accounts for the name Geminids.
Unfortunately, the quarter moon will provide some competition during the peak viewing times in 2022, so the sky won't be optimally dark if you tune in just before dawn on December 14. Still, though you may not spot the full 120 shooting stars per hour expected at peak thanks to the moonlight, you should still be able to see enough to make the experience worthwhile!
And West Virginia is going to be an excellent spot from which to view the 2022 Geminids meteor shower this December, too — we’re only one of the best, most underrated star-viewing locations in the nation! Will you be braving the dark and cold this winter to spot some of the meteors that will be decorating the night sky leading up to Christmas?
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