1 of 2 meteor showers in December to start Sunday night

Two meteor showers are going to light up the night skies this December, and one is starting tonight!

According to PAGASA’s astronomical diary, the Geminid meteor shower will be active from December 4 to 17. Its peak is on December 14. 

“This is produced by debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon,” PAGASA said. “Best time to observe is around 2 a.m. when its radiant, constellation Gemini, reaches its highest position in the sky.”

The Geminid meteor shower is expected to deliver 120 meteors per hour under clear sky conditions.

Meanwhile, the Ursid meteor shower will be active from December 17 to 26. This can show around four meteors per hour when Ursa Minor is at its peak before dawn on December 23.

PAGASA said these showers are visible to the naked eye. It is ideal to observe them in a remote and dark location away from the city lights and under clear sky conditions.

Enjoy stargazing, Kapuso! —Franchesca Viernes/KG, GMA Integrated News