DarrylR
12-14-2008, 1:18 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28195200/
FROM 2 AM to DAWN
This week brings us what usually is considered to be the most satisfying of all the annual meteor displays, even surpassing the famous Perseids of August: December's Geminid meteor shower.But this year, before making any elaborate plans to view this year's Geminid display, prospective sky watchers should be aware that they will be facing a major obstacle to observe this year's Geminid performance: namely, the moon.
Unfortunately, as luck would have it, the moon (http://www.space.com/moon/) turns full on Friday, and as such will seriously hamper — if not all but prevent — observation of the peak of the Geminids, which is predicted to occur late Saturday and early Sunday, Dec. 13-14. Bright moonlight will flood the sky through much of the night, and will certainly play havoc with any serious attempts to observe these meteors.
FROM 2 AM to DAWN
This week brings us what usually is considered to be the most satisfying of all the annual meteor displays, even surpassing the famous Perseids of August: December's Geminid meteor shower.But this year, before making any elaborate plans to view this year's Geminid display, prospective sky watchers should be aware that they will be facing a major obstacle to observe this year's Geminid performance: namely, the moon.
Unfortunately, as luck would have it, the moon (http://www.space.com/moon/) turns full on Friday, and as such will seriously hamper — if not all but prevent — observation of the peak of the Geminids, which is predicted to occur late Saturday and early Sunday, Dec. 13-14. Bright moonlight will flood the sky through much of the night, and will certainly play havoc with any serious attempts to observe these meteors.