2024/12/13 06:36 Weather News
This year, there will be a full moon on the 15th (Sunday), so observing conditions will greatly affect the moonlight, resulting in poor observing conditions. However, it is a meteor shower in which a large number of shooting stars are visible every year, so in a place with good observation conditions, you can see up to 40 meteors per hour.
The 24-hour live weather documentary “Weather News Live” will be broadcast on a special program on YouTube etc. from 9.00pm on Friday the 13th will broadcast the Geminid meteor shower live.Meteors will be captured with a high-sensitivity camera and delivered live, with commentary on the starry sky.
If you live in an area with bad weather or want to watch meteors from a hot room, please enjoy the weather News Live special.
What is the good weather?
From the night of the 13th (Friday) until the early morning of the 14th (Saturday), multiple low pressure systems will pass near Japan, and then the system will change to a winter-like pressure pattern with pressure high in the west and low. pressure in the east.on the Pacific side, the weather is gradually becoming clearer in many places, and the number of places with opportunities will increase. It is indeed likely to be seen after midnight in the Kanto and Tokai regions.
On the other hand, on the Sea of Japan side, clouds are likely to disperse, making meteor observation difficult.
Clouds are also likely to disperse in Okinawa, making it difficult to see meteors.
» Report the weather forecast
on the Pacific side, the weather is gradually becoming clearer in many places, and the number of places with opportunities will increase. It is indeed likely to be seen after midnight in the Kanto and Tokai regions.
On the other hand, on the Sea of Japan side, clouds are likely to disperse, making meteor observation difficult.
Clouds are also likely to disperse in Okinawa, making it difficult to see meteors.
» Report the weather forecast
There are observation opportunities throughout the night, especially late at night.
December 13 (Friday) around 21:00 Eastern sky (Tokyo)
The Geminid Meteor shower, which is considered one of the three major meteor showers, is known to produce a steadymeteors in the meteor shower are visible during the time when the radiant point is above the sky, but the radiant point in the Geminid meteor shower rises above the sky in the early evening, so they are visible all night long it’s almost an observational possibility. They are most numerous late at night when the radiant rises near the peak.
This year, the maximum activity of the meteor shower is expected to be around 10:00 on Saturday the 14th, Japan time, and many meteors will be visible on the three nights of the 12th (Thursday), 13th (Friday) , and 14th (Saturday). The best time to see them is especially from the night of the 13th (Friday) to the early morning of the 14th (Saturday).
According to the national Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the number of meteors that can be seen per hour in clear and dark conditions is expected to reach about 40 between 3:00 and 5:00 on Saturday the 14th.
Note that the “radiant point” is the point where the meteor’s trajectory meets when you trace it towards its base, so it dose not mean that the meteor will be visible at that point. Meteors are seen all over the sky, and longer meteors can be seen further away from the radiant point. It is recommended that you look at it blankly without staring at a single point.
meteors in the meteor shower are visible during the time when the radiant point is above the sky, but the radiant point in the Geminid meteor shower rises above the sky in the early evening, so they are visible all night long it’s almost an observational possibility. They are most numerous late at night when the radiant rises near the peak.
This year, the maximum activity of the meteor shower is expected to be around 10:00 on Saturday the 14th, Japan time, and many meteors will be visible on the three nights of the 12th (Thursday), 13th (Friday) , and 14th (Saturday). The best time to see them is especially from the night of the 13th (Friday) to the early morning of the 14th (Saturday).
According to the national Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the number of meteors that can be seen per hour in clear and dark conditions is expected to reach about 40 between 3:00 and 5:00 on Saturday the 14th.
Note that the “radiant point” is the point where the meteor’s trajectory meets when you trace it towards its base, so it dose not mean that the meteor will be visible at that point. Meteors are seen all over the sky, and longer meteors can be seen further away from the radiant point. It is recommended that you look at it blankly without staring at a single point.
Points to consider when observing meteors
· When is the best time to see the Meteor shower?
The Geminid Meteor shower is most likely to be seen from the night of the 13th (Friday) to the morning of the 14th (Saturday). There are opportunities for observation throughout the night, but especially recommended late at night. Also, more meteors are expected to be seen than usual during the same time period in the days before and after the event.· In which direction does the meteor shower flow?
They flow not only near the radiant point of the Geminid Meteor shower, but also across the sky. It is recommended to look vaguely around a wide area, not just towards the radiant point (see the previous article). This year, the bright moon is rising, so you are advised to observe it without seeing it. The full moon in winter gets high in the sky, making it a nuisance for meteor observation.
· Where is the best place to watch the Meteor shower?
If it’s a clear day, you can see it all over the country, so we recommend seeing it away from urban areas so you don’t get affected by the city lights.You will also be able to see more meteors in a place where you can see the whole sky, so a location with few obstacles such as trees, buildings or mountains is ideal.
How long do I have to wait to see it?
As explained in the previous article,in an environment with dark skies and good conditions,a maximum of about 40 meteors will be visible,so if you do simple calculations,you will see a maximum of one meteor every two minutes.Even in a city with clear skies, you might see it if you wait about 15 minutes. However, once you start looking at the sky, your eyes adjust to the brightness, making it difficult to see a faint meteor. We recommend staring at the dark sky for at least 15 minutes.
Is there anything else to be careful about?
Everyone who watches
Multiple first-magnitude stars light up in the winter night sky, with easy-to-see stars such as Orion and the Winter Triangle coming up. Even when you can’t see meteors, you can still have fun looking at the starry sky by using a star map app.
The Geminid Meteor shower is most likely to be seen from the night of the 13th (Friday) to the morning of the 14th (Saturday). There are opportunities for observation throughout the night, but especially recommended late at night. Also, more meteors are expected to be seen than usual during the same time period in the days before and after the event.
· In which direction does the meteor shower flow?
They flow not only near the radiant point of the Geminid Meteor shower, but also across the sky. It is recommended to look vaguely around a wide area, not just towards the radiant point (see the previous article). This year, the bright moon is rising, so you are advised to observe it without seeing it. The full moon in winter gets high in the sky, making it a nuisance for meteor observation.
· Where is the best place to watch the Meteor shower?
If it’s a clear day, you can see it all over the country, so we recommend seeing it away from urban areas so you don’t get affected by the city lights.You will also be able to see more meteors in a place where you can see the whole sky, so a location with few obstacles such as trees, buildings or mountains is ideal.
How long do I have to wait to see it?
As explained in the previous article,in an environment with dark skies and good conditions,a maximum of about 40 meteors will be visible,so if you do simple calculations,you will see a maximum of one meteor every two minutes.Even in a city with clear skies, you might see it if you wait about 15 minutes. However, once you start looking at the sky, your eyes adjust to the brightness, making it difficult to see a faint meteor. We recommend staring at the dark sky for at least 15 minutes.
Is there anything else to be careful about?
Everyone who watches
Multiple first-magnitude stars light up in the winter night sky, with easy-to-see stars such as Orion and the Winter Triangle coming up. Even when you can’t see meteors, you can still have fun looking at the starry sky by using a star map app.
Meteor shower is also to be seen at the beginning of the year!
There are other celestial events you can’t miss after the Geminid Meteor shower.On the night of January 3,one of the three major meteor showers,the Shibungid Meteor shower,will peak. The meteor shower will mark the New Year, and the following night on January 3, 2025, conditions will be better than usual because there will be no interference from the moonlight. If you observe it early in the morning, the number of meteors you see may be higher than the Geminid Meteor shower.
On the night of January 3,one of the three major meteor showers,the Shibungid Meteor shower,will peak. The meteor shower will mark the New Year, and the following night on January 3, 2025, conditions will be better than usual because there will be no interference from the moonlight. If you observe it early in the morning, the number of meteors you see may be higher than the Geminid Meteor shower.
Photo: Weather Report (posted from the Weather News app)
What are the best tips for viewing the Geminid Meteor shower?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Meteor Expert
Time.news editor: Good evening, everyone! Today we have with us Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, an expert in meteorology and astronomy, to discuss the much-anticipated Geminid Meteor shower. Welcome, Dr. Tanaka!
Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about the Geminids.
Editor: The Geminid Meteor shower is one of the most celebrated astronomical events of the year. Could you explain why this event garners so much attention?
Dr. Tanaka: Absolutely! The Geminid Meteor shower is renowned for its high activity and reliability. Each year, it produces a significant number of meteors—up to 40 shooting stars per hour under optimal conditions.This year, it peaks tonight, December 13th, which coincides with a full moon on the 15th.Though, the moonlight could impact visibility somewhat.
Editor: That brings us to observing conditions. Can you tell us more about what exactly we should expect tonight in terms of visibility?
Dr. Tanaka: Sure! The weather forecast indicates variable conditions across different regions. While we expect clearer skies on the Pacific side of Japan, areas near the Sea of Japan may have more cloud cover, making meteor sightings challenging. The best time for observation will be late tonight when the radiant point—where the meteors appear to originate—rises higher in the sky.
Editor: That sounds promising for those in favorable locations! For our viewers who might not have the best conditions at home,I hear there’s a special broadcast tonight?
Dr. Tanaka: Yes, indeed! Weather News will be streaming a 24-hour live broadcast from 9 PM onwards. They will capture the meteor shower with high-sensitivity cameras and provide commentary on what viewers are seeing. It’s a great possibility to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of your home, especially for those in areas with poor viewing conditions.
Editor: That’s fantastic! Now, for those who are venturing out to view the meteors, could you share some tips to enhance their experiance?
Dr. Tanaka: Of course.When observing meteors, it’s best not to focus on a single point in the sky. Instead, try to take in the whole sky. The Geminids can appear in various directions, so a wide field of view is key. Finding a dark and open space, away from city lights, will also improve your chances of seeing more meteors.
Editor: That’s excellent advice! With such high activity expected, do you have any predictions for specific times tonight when sightings might peak?
Dr. Tanaka: Great question! The number of meteors is expected to peak between 3 AM and 5 AM tomorrow morning, right before dawn. This period typically sees the most meteors due to the Earth’s position relative to the debris left by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon,which is the source of the Geminids.
Editor: Dr. Tanaka, thank you for your insights! It truly seems tonight will be a breathtaking event for both amateur astronomers and stargazers alike.
Dr. Tanaka: my pleasure! I encourage everyone to look up. Even if the conditions aren’t ideal in your area, the experience of observing the night sky can be magical.
Editor: Absolutely! We hope everyone enjoys the show tonight. Thank you, Dr. tanaka, for sharing your expertise with us.
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for having me. Happy meteor watching!