|
|
|
|
Named after the ancient Greek god Apollos son, 3200 Phaethon is an asteroid whose orbit brings it closer to our sun than Mercury. First discovered via satellite data 35 years ago, Phaethon is responsible for bringing the spectacular Geminid meteor showers to Earths atmosphere each December. With each passing year since the mid-1800s, the proliferation of yellowish streaks of light in the night-time sky have grown more intense.
The so-called rock comet came within 6.4 million miles of earth this past December, although last years supermoon made it harder to appreciate the celestial light show. That wont be a factor this year.
If the weather is clear, 2018 should be the best year ever to watch the Gemenidesso named because they seem to originate from the constellation Gemini. No need for a telescope or binoculars fragments from Phaethons debris trail should become visible after 9 pm on December 13, peaking after midnight with as many as 120 meteors per hour. The cosmic dust may have resulted from a crash with another flying , but theres little danger of any Geminids landing on earth as it normally disintegrates in the earths atmosphere.
|
|
|
|
