File photo: Geminid meteor shower / NASA
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.
File photo: Geminid meteors streak through Qatar sky over Al Kharrara on December 14, 2024. Pic: Alvin Puthur Babu
He noted that even last year, when a full moon reduced visibility, more than 6,000 people gathered at Al Kharrara and over 1,000 meteors were recorded. With darker skies expected this year, he anticipates an even more impressive display.
Navin Anand, amateur astronomer and partner at Everester Observatory, emphasized that the Geminids can be enjoyed without telescopes or special equipment.
He estimates that observers may see an average of around 60 meteors per hour during the peak. He added that the late-rising moon will have minimal impact on the viewing experience, making this year’s event a memorable one for many.
Unlike many meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids come from the rocky asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth passes through its trail of debris each December, tiny fragments burn up in the atmosphere and create the bright streaks that characterize the shower.
To help the public enjoy this rare celestial spectacle, the Qatar Astronomy and Space Club, an outreach arm of Everester Observatory, will host an observation event at Al Kharrara beginning at 8 pm on December 13. While the program starts in the evening, the most dramatic meteor activity is expected later in the night as the shower intensifies.
Registration for the event is free and available through the Qatar Astronomy and Space Club’s website. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly, as temperatures typically drop significantly overnight, and the event will continue until sunrise.
