Qatar residents invited to witness Geminids meteor shower peak on Dec 13

Doha: The annual Geminid meteor shower is approaching its peak, and skywatchers in Qatar will have an excellent opportunity to witness it on the night...

Doha: The annual Geminid meteor shower is approaching its peak, and skywatchers in Qatar will have an excellent opportunity to witness it on the night of December 13 at Al Kharrara in Al Wakrah. 

Known as one of the most reliable and visually impressive meteor showers of the year, the Geminids are already active and will reach their brightest and most active phase on Saturday, offering a striking display of fast, yellow-tinted meteors.

NASA describes the Geminids as one of the strongest annual showers, with the potential to produce up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

According to Ajith Everester, astrophotographer and founder of Everester Observatory Space Research and Development Company, the moon will rise after 1 am at just 33% illumination, allowing several hours of dark and clear sky for observation.

"This year’s viewing prospects are especially promising in Qatar. There will be ample time of dark sky to observe shooting stars. The bright meteors are also expected, which will make it a spectacular night,” Everester told The Peninsula.