‘Major’ Geminid meteor shower to light up Nottingham skies just before Christmas
You could see up to 100 meteors per hour!
A “major” meteor shower is set to light up Nottingham skies this month.
The famous Geminid meteor shower will peak next week - and you won’t even need any specialist equipment to see the spectacle.
The display, which returns every December, is expected to peak overnight on December 14 and 15.
Read more: What's On in Nottingham?
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich: “The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most active showers of the year, and in some years is the strongest, with a peak rate of around 100 meteors per hour. It is the one major shower that shows good activity before midnight.
“In 2023 the maximum will occur on December 14 when the Moon will be below the horizon the whole night, meaning stargazers will benefit from ideal viewing conditions.”
The Geminids are thought to be intensifying every year and are known for being bold and bright.
If you want to get a good view of the shower, find a secluded spot away from street lights or other sources of light pollution.
It takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, so try and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle.