Astronomy lovers can expect interesting and unusual cosmic phenomena this winter. On December 13, there will be a meteor shower that can be seen from any continent. Also, in January, the inhabitants of the Earth will be able to see two supermoons - the Earth's satellite will become much closer and brighter.


Scientists recommend fans of space and astronomical events to put off sleep on the night of December 13, and look at the sky, as the Earth will pass through the Geminid meteor shower. This phenomenon is one of the most powerful, bright flashes will literally shower the sky. Astronomers consider the December meteor shower one of the most significant events, and recommend waiting until midnight to clearly view the beauty of the meteor shower. At this time, the Moon will hide behind the horizon, and its light will not block the starlight. The meteor shower will be quite strong and bright, so that you can watch it without special instruments, throughout the night, from anywhere in the northern hemisphere of the planet. It is also advisable to go out of town, to an area not loaded with street lamps, car headlights, searchlights, etc.


Mid-December is a traditional time for the Geminids. Most often, meteors move at a speed of 35 km / s, with a frequency of up to 100 fireballs in 60 minutes. Stars do not move towards the Earth, but overtake it. This direction and low speed allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of starfall. The flight of meteors can be observed from December 4-6 to December 17-19. The epicenter of the meteor shower traditionally falls on the 13th day of the first month of winter. It is noteworthy that since the beginning of the opening of the stream, its activity has increased every year more and more. When astronomers first discovered the Geminid meteor shower, the frequency of falling did not exceed 15 meteors per hour. What caused this, experts still find it difficult to answer, but suggest that the abundance of meteors is temporary. Perhaps by the end of this century, the frequency of meteor impacts will again decrease, which is why the meteor shower is of such interest and attention to scientists.


In 2011, the Geminid became one of the brightest showers, as about 200 stars could be observed falling within an hour. The Geminids stellar stream is born by the ejection of small particles by the celestial body Phaethon, which, presumably, used to be a comet. The phaeton, making a revolution around the Sun, approaches it at an extreme close quarters. Scientists suggest that because of such a distance, the former comet lost its icy tail and turned into a cross between a comet and an asteroid. This celestial body is very young. Studies of small particles showed that their age does not exceed 1000 years, and the meteor shower itself was discovered at the end of the 20th century. Since then, the Geminid meteor shower has been considered the most abundant, surpassing the traditional August Perseid meteor shower.


Another exciting cosmic phenomenon occurred on the night of December 4th. The moon has reduced its distance from Earth to 357,492 kilometers, making it 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual. Network users from all over the world share photos on social networks, and do not stop describing their impressions of what they saw in the comments. The so-called supermoon has delighted the people of the Philippines, China, Myanmar and Russia. The American television channel ABS News has published a video in the accelerated mode of the supermoon, which was observed in the state of Rhode Island.


NASA experts report that the supermoon is a very significant phenomenon in the field of astronomy. At this time, the inhabitants of New Zealand could observe both the Sun and the Moon in the sky at the same time. Until December 6, residents of Kazakhstan, the eastern part of Russia and the northern part of Canada have the same opportunity. In addition to the fact that the supermoon looks more than usual, its color becomes bright orange and it may seem to a person that the satellite is very easily reached by hand. This is the main difference between a supermoon and a full moon.


For those who missed this astronomical event, experts are in a hurry to report good news. In January, the inhabitants of the Earth will have such an opportunity two more times. IN given period The moon moves along an elliptical axis, so at a certain period its distance from the earth will decrease again. On January 3 and 31, the supermoon will repeat itself, but the satellite itself will take on a rather unusual appearance. In early January, its color will turn cold blue, at the end of the month the shade will be more saturated, in astronomy it is called the "blue blood of the moon." The changes are due to the fact that due to the approach to our planet, it will be more clearly reflected in the moon. On the night of January 31, the Earth, Moon and Sun will line up in one trajectory, so the inhabitants of our planet will be able to observe a lunar eclipse.


It is known that the moon has a certain effect on human health and well-being. Therefore, the fact that the Earth's satellite will be as close as possible cannot but cause concern. According to expert research, weather-sensitive and sleepwalking people should take the utmost care. It is better not to drive, not to make important decisions, to postpone long night trips. Also, experts advise not to take valuables and large sums of money with you, as during this period people become more distracted. But not only people are affected by the moon. Scientists have noticed strange behavior of animals during the supermoon period. Domestic animals neglect food and mostly sleep, while wild ones become more aggressive.

On the night of Monday, August 13, the inhabitants of the Earth could see the large-scale Perseid meteor shower. From 22:00 the sky was illuminated by up to 80 flashes per hour, which could often be seen with the naked eye.

The most beautiful part of the star shower astronomers was closer to dawn.

By the way

"Shooting stars" are small particles of interplanetary matter ranging in size from grains of sand to peas. They are included in earth's atmosphere at a speed of about 60 kilometers per second, and burning up, they leave a beautiful bright trace. The Perseids are one of the most beautiful and famous meteor showers. This stream occurs when the Earth enters a cloud of dust from the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle. The meteor shower owes its name to the constellation Perseus, from where "shooting stars" fly out.

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An amazing astronomical phenomenon - the meteor shower with the poetic names of Lyrid - is the oldest meteor shower known to astronomers. There is no need to be afraid that one of the pieces will reach the Earth and explode - comets do not have such large fragments. There are records that the Lyrid meteor shower was observed even more than 2500 years ago. It is unusual in that during even one night the number of meteors visible from the Earth can change dramatically. On average, no more than 20 of them fly over us per hour, but suddenly an “explosion” can occur when up to 100 shooting stars can be seen in the sky in an hour. However, this is not the limit. In 1803, the Lyrids made a real firestorm in the sky in the USA - astronomers observed up to 700 meteors per hour. According to eyewitnesses, "the sky was like on fire." Suddenly such a vivid spectacle will be repeated now?

Starfall is an annual phenomenon when the Earth passes through the orbit of the comet Swift-Tuttle, which is part of the constellation Perseus.

What is commonly referred to as a meteor shower is debris from a comet - dust particles ranging in size from a grain of sand to a pea. They burn up when they come into contact with the Earth's atmosphere, leaving behind bright flashes and streaks in the sky.

When and how much can you "trap" the Perseids?

Starfall can be observed throughout Russia, as well as on the east coast of the United States.

During the meteor shower, you need to look in northern part sky. Let the North Star serve as a guide. From it are two stars in a straight line, to the right of the constellation Cassiopeia, which is in the shape of the letter "W". From Cassiopeia down to the first star of Perseus from Cassiopeia - Mirfak.

It is worth noting that in the occult "shooting stars" are associated with making wishes. According to esotericists, watching the flow of meteorites serves as a kind of meditation.

According to astrologers, during the period of starfall, the symbolic properties of Uranus will increase many times over. Revolutionary events and unexpected meetings will take place. Each sign of the zodiac should be prepared for the surprises that can happen during this time.

The Perseids are meteor showers that can be observed from Earth every year in August. This time, astronomers say, the stars will fall especially beautifully: the shower promises to reach 60 meteors per hour.

The annual meteor shower is the result of the Earth passing through the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle, causing bright flying flares that look like the Perseus constellation is their source in terrestrial microscopes. And this year you have the opportunity to view the Perseids as best you can.

The peak of the meteor shower will occur this weekend, between August 12 and 13, when moonless nights provide all viewers with perfectly dark skies. According to NASA, the peak will begin at 4 p.m. time. east coast USA on Sunday and will continue until 4 am Monday.

Shooting stars will be visible north and south of the equator, but best view viewers watching the stream at mid-northern latitudes will receive. This means that the US, Europe and Canada will be able to see the Perseids in the best possible way. Mexico, Central America, Asia, most of Africa and parts of South America will be able to watch the flow.

For viewers in southern latitudes shooting stars will begin to appear in the sky around midnight and continue until morning.

If you are lucky, you can see the so-called "earth satellites" - these are bright colored meteorites that appear in the sky slowly and hover horizontally in the sky just before midnight.

In 2018, the event will coincide with the new moon, when the moon is almost invisible in the sky. Therefore, according to NASA representatives, this is “the best meteor shower of the year” and it is definitely worth seeing.

You don't need binoculars to watch the stars. No need to look for the constellation Perseus in the sky. Just raise your head. NASA says that "you can look anywhere you want to see the Perseids, even just over your head."

As a rule, a meteor shower brings 60-70 shooting stars per hour, but in some years there have been more. By the way, if you can't see the stars on the weekend, there are good news: it will be possible to observe the Perseids until August 24, however, not in such a saturated flow.

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The Perseids are meteor showers that can be observed in August every year. It is reported that this year's meteor shower will be very colorful and you should not miss the opportunity to admire it.

Where on the planet will the meteor shower be seen?

The reason for this is that the Earth is passing through the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle: it enters the constellation Perseus. Astronomers believe that this year the peak of this phenomenon will fall on August 12-13. Best of all, starfall can be observed north and south of the equator. Most beautiful view this phenomenon is promised to residents of the mid-northern latitudes. Thus, the USA, Canada and European countries will have an excellent opportunity to see the meteor shower in all its glory. In addition, it will be possible to observe such a phenomenon from Mexico, Asia, Central America and Africa. Similar phenomena can be observed in the starry sky until August 24. However, it is on the 12th and 13th that the peak of activity will fall.

When is the best time to watch the meteor shower?

NASA says it's best to start observing after dusk and enjoy the view until dawn. Also this year, the meteor shower coincided with the phase of the new moon: for this reason, the sky will be very dark, which will allow you to better view the meteor shower. Observers will be lucky, as telescopes and binoculars will not be needed to view the phenomenon. It will be enough just to watch the night sky. Of course, outside the city, where there is less light, there will be an opportunity to see everything much more colorful.

Starfall or meteor shower: why do we observe such a phenomenon?

Do not forget that in fact it is not the stars that will fall from heaven at all. This name is attached to the meteor shower. The meteorites themselves are accumulations of cosmic dust and ice. Approaching the Sun, they heat up, and the ice begins to melt, and once in the Earth's atmosphere, they flare up, which allows us to observe such a wonderful process in the sky.

Astrologers are of the opinion that meteorites carry energy flows. What this energy is depends on the processes in space, and on which constellations the flight is made through. Therefore, it is likely that the sign of making a wish on a shooting star is not so meaningless. Roughly speaking, they will help us in the realization of our wishes celestial bodies having their own energy.
Undoubtedly, star Rain very interesting phenomenon and many people like to watch him. For this reason, in coming days lovers of this should not miss the opportunity to enjoy beautiful view in the starry sky. Such phenomena are of interest not only to astronomers, but also to ordinary people It is definitely mesmerizing and impressive. And, of course, do not forget about romance: it is very touching to look at shooting stars next to your loved one.

A meteor shower occurs in August every year: recommendations from experts