What's Up? The Space Place

Hey Space Placers! If you like the annual December Geminid Meteor Shower you will want to read this article about how 3200 Phaethon was imaged when it passed by Earth recently. Even better is the fact that the Arecibo Radio Telescope that was damaged recently in the Puerto Rico hurricane has been repaired and was able to take these amazing images. Sky Guy in VA

Hey Space Placers! Baby it is cold outside but it is clear here in northern VA. The Moon is several days past full but the Geminid Meteor Shower will be at peak tonight, December 13, so check out the following link to enjoy one of the best meteor showers of the year. Just make sure you bundle up to keep comfortable! If you are an Apple iPod or iPad user, check out the free app that helps you count meteors and submit your results to NASA:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meteor-counter/id466896415 ; more on this story here:  http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/news/releases/2011/11-155.html Read More About It:  http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/13dec_geminids/ Sky Guy in VA

Hey Space Placers! Next Monday, 12-13-10, the Geminid Meteor Shower will take place. The shower starts around 9 p.m. and lasts until dawn. My "December Skies" blog gives you details on how to observe the shower but I hope you will check out this link for more information on the Geminid Meteor Shower: http://science.nasa.gov/ science-news/science-at-nasa/ 2010/06dec_geminids/ This meteor shower does not disappoint those who get out in the cold temps and bundles up for the show.

Hey Space Placers! My oh my! What month of skywatching December brings as the Geminid Meteor Shower and a total lunar eclipse take top billing. But first, join me at George Mason University Observatory on Monday, December 6th (weather permitting) at 6:00 p.m. Make sure you dress warmly. Check here for more details and weather status http://physics.gmu.edu/~hgeller/observing.html . Skywatching Highlights The Geminid Meteor Shower takes place on the night of the 13th-14th. This is a very active and enjoyable event as from a dark sky site observers can see perhaps 60 to 100 meteors an hour. Even from suburban skies it is worth looking as these bits of debris from asteroid 3200 Phaethon really are pretty bright. Meteor showers are usually caused by cometary debris so the Geminids are unique. To see the Geminids, start looking to the northeast at around 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The best time to look will be after midnight up to dawn. Find a comfortable spot to put a reclining lawn chair, or j...