Geminids Meteor Shower: Peak Weekend Viewing
Here’s a summary of the information provided in the text:
About the Meteor Shower:
* Origin: The meteor shower is caused by dust particles from the asteroid (3200) Phaethon,which is unusual as most meteor showers originate from comets.
* History: First reported in 1862, it was initially weak (under 30 meteors/hour). It increased in frequency in the 1940s/50s, peaking around 1990.
* Future: Models suggest the shower is at its peak and will gradually decrease in frequency, potentially almost disappearing by the end of the 21st century.
* What it is indeed: A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through a stream of interplanetary dust. The particles enter the atmosphere, heat up due to friction, and create glowing trails (“shooting stars”). Notable showers include the Quadrantids (January), Perseids (August), and Geminids (december).
Observing Conditions (Night of Friday to Saturday):
* Lowlands: Fog and low clouds are expected, making viewing difficult.
* Mountains: Conditions are much better, with clear to partly clear skies above 700-800 meters.
* Specific Areas: Almost clear skies are expected in the mountains. A thin layer of high clouds may appear in western Bohemia after midnight. The inversion layer may also dissolve in the Frýdlant range and parts of Silesia, improving visibility.