Geminid Meteor Shower 2018 - Under the Geminids

Geminid Meteor Shower 2018 - Under the Geminids

Where:
Frosty Drew Observatory
When:
Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost:
$5 Suggested Donation per Person

UPDATE: December 13, 2018 1:40 PM ---------------------
Tonight's forecast is quite variable and will certainly bring periods of clouds. We are unsure what to expect at this time and clearings could happen as the night progresses. We will stick to our plans for tonight and open at 6:30 p.m. as expected. We will periodically post on what we see happening to our Twitter (@FrostyDrewOBSY) and to the right side column of our website. Keep your fingers crossed for a great night!
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The Geminid Meteor Shower is one of the best (if not the best) meteor shower of the year. Geminid Meteors are bright with a (seasonally festive) greenish hue that leave long lasting dust trails in the sky. This year the skies are setting us up for an awesome night of meteor observation with the 35% waxing crescent Moon setting at 10:08 p.m. This will set us up for super dark skies and excellent meteor viewing once the Moon sets. The Geminid shower is a quite lively producing upwards of 120 meteors per hour during the peak.

We will open the Observatory and telescopes at 6:30 p.m. with views of the night sky including distant nebulae and galaxies. As meteors become more frequent we will close the Observatory 16" telescope and have everybody setup outside to watch the peak of the meteor shower.

Temperatures will be cold so be sure to dress warm! Winter coats, long johns, thick socks, hat, gloves, good winter shoes, and blankets (while observing meteors) are a necessity. Be sure to bring a blanket to lay on or a reclining chair for optimal meteor observation.

Take a minute to read up on visiting the Frosty Drew Observatory and catch up on what to / not to bring and how to adequately prepare for a comfortable nigh of meteor watching.

Please note that we do not allow any white lights on our campus from dusk - dawn. This is to ensure an equally awesome view of the night sky for all as well as to allow for the use of light sensitive astronomical equipment. Learn more about why we have this requirement in The Red Light District

Grab those binoculars, dust off that telescope, and join us under the beautiful dark Geminid skies at Frosty Drew Observatory!