Few expected that hiding behind the constellation Gemini and this year’s most beautiful meteor shower would be such a thrilling and heartwarming story.
It is often said that when a meteor falls, what we wish will come true.
Believe me, on the night of the 13th, early in the morning of December 14th, you and I will have the opportunity to experience the feeling of longing for a break from the Geminid meteor shower. It is estimated that on a clear day you can see up to 60 to 120 meteors per hour!
Selon les astronomes, les Géminides sont la dernière pluie de météores de l’année, mais c’est aussi la pluie la plus attendue. Parce que la pluie de météores des Géminides est essentiellement constituée de fragments d’astéroïdes de la comète 3200 Phaethons volant dans l’atmosphère terrestre.
Comet orbit 3200 Phaethon
Because it is located in the central region of the constellation Gemini (or constellation Gemini) – this meteor shower is called the Geminids.
According to Greek mythology, the constellation Gemini represents two heroes Castor and Pollux – son of Zeus – lord of the 12 gods at the top of Olympus.
The story goes that one night, while Queen Leda of Sparta slept, the god Zeus turned into a swan and slipped into sleep, giving birth to twins Castor and Pollux.
Castor and Pollux are like two drops of water – even Leda’s mother couldn’t tell. They are two brave children who love each other and can almost understand each other’s thoughts.
Castor and Pollux are the two brightest stars in the constellation Gemini.
On top of Olympus, seeing his children grow up, Zeus intended to grant them unlimited power – immortality. However, despite being pious, Zeus sometimes makes mistakes – Zeus throws the power ball at Pollux, but with Castor he fails. Therefore, not a single injury could harm Pollux, but Castor is like a mortal.
The two brothers later rose to fame together when they achieved many glorious feats. Each time, the two brothers are always looking for ways to help each other. However, in a battle, Castor is sadly injured and dies.
Out of infinite sadness, Pollux attempted to commit suicide. But unlike Castor, Pollux is an immortal warrior. Pollux painfully exclaimed to Father Zeus wanting to die for Castor.
Zeus loved both brothers so he agreed to take them to heaven, allowing them to take turns living one day each and sending them both up to heaven, transforming into the constellation Gemini.
The location of the Geminid meteor shower
With each passing day, one person will live in paradise and the star will shine, the other will not shine because the other is then on earth. Also since then this constellation has been considered a symbol of friendship, of eternal brotherhood.
In mid-December, this constellation is still present in the night sky. However, the rush hour of this Geminid meteor shower will be the 13th night of December 14. Starting at 10:00 p.m. on December 13, astronomers can begin to observe the phenomenon, but ideally after midnight when Gemini has risen.
The constellation will appear in the east at midnight, peak around 1:00 a.m., and then slowly retreat into the western sky.
Another interesting point of the Geminid meteor shower this time is the appearance of the “Earthgrazer” fireball (Earthgrazer).
Or to put it more simply, these are streaks of bright meteors that fly horizontally, very slowly and almost overlap on the horizon. So don’t miss the chance to admire this year’s brightest meteor shower!
