Geminid meteor shower captured on video over Kansas City area
LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – This week, residents of the Kansas City area are being treated to one of the most magnificent celestial displays, and a local resident has managed to capture the breathtaking show.
The Geminid meteor shower is currently illuminating the night sky, reaching its peak on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
A Geminid meteor was captured by FOX4 viewer Brody Harrison in Lee’s Summit early Wednesday. You can watch the meteor fly across the sky in the video player above.
The Geminids have gained a reputation for their vibrant and vivid meteors, making them one of the most dependable and lively meteor showers every year, as stated by NASA.
The Perseid meteor shower has a fascinating history that traces back to the mid-1800s. It had humble beginnings, with only 10 to 20 meteors per hour, making it initially unremarkable.
During its peak, the Geminids meteor shower has undergone changes and now offers a breathtaking exhibition of up to 120 meteors per hour, given the ideal circumstances for observation.
Meteors of this kind are known for their brightness, rapid movement, and often showcasing a unique yellow hue.
According to NASA, the ideal time to witness the Geminids meteor shower is during the night and predawn hours. This celestial event offers a nearly 24-hour broad maximum, allowing people from around the world to enjoy it.
Meteors usually start streaking across the sky at around 9 or 10 p.m., presenting a fantastic chance for stargazers. To witness the full splendor of the Geminids, it is advisable to pick a spot far away from the bright lights of the city or street lamps.
To optimize your stargazing experience, NASA suggests lying flat on your back, facing the south, with your feet pointing towards the sky. By directing your gaze upward, you can absorb the vast expanse of the night sky and maximize your celestial observation.
After spending around 30 minutes in the darkness, your eyes will gradually adapt, enabling you to fully appreciate the captivating spectacle of meteors darting across the expansive night sky.