Meteor lovers, look up—maybe

The 2009 Geminids, as seen from the Mojave Desert. Peak viewing this year is tonight, weather permitting.

If you’re a night owl, and if the weather cooperates, you just might be able to glimpse the annual Geminid meteor shower at its peak tonight.

Meteors will be blazing across the sky (three per minute under ideal viewing conditions) with no moonlight to interfere with the show this year. Rain and clouds are another matter, however, so if the skies are wet or overcast, the Geminids will be performing undercover.

More details, including an audio report from the Griffith Observatory’s Anthony Cook, are here.

So, if you’re up between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. and the skies seem clear, bundle up, go outside and take a look. You won’t have another chance until next year.

Posted 12/13/12