The origin of the majestic Geminid meteor shower some 18,000 years ago has been a chaotic one, a new study suggests. If this is found to be true, then Geminid meteoroids are about 10 times older than previously estimated.

The Geminid meteor shower takes its name from the constellation Gemini, where the meteors appear to originate in the sky. However, these meteors stem from 3200 Phaethon, an unusual blue asteroid following an orbit shaped like a watermelon's path. This asteroid comes remarkably close to the sun, reaching just 0.14 astronomical units away, approximately one-tenth of the Earth's distance form Sun.&nbsp;

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During this phase of its orbit, Phaethon, measuring 3.2 miles wide (5.1 kilometres), develops a distinct comet-like tail.

For years, astronomers believed that the tail was composed of rock fragments that form the dust cloud that in turn generates the Geminids. But as per the recent study, the tail’s present-day particles are a thousand times smaller than the Geminids’ head-size rock, which contradicts the previous theory.

Some recent observations also suggest that these present-day tail particles may be made of vaporised sodium and not dust. Hence, the cloud of rock responsible for the Geminid meteor must have formed way earlier than it was thought.&nbsp;

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<h2>Geminids are much older than previously thought</h2>

Hangbin Jo, a graduate student at Korea’s Seoul National University and co-author Masateru Ishiguro, a professor in astronomy at the same university went on to produce some theories to find out the Geminids’ exact timeline. They came up with a mechanism called rotational instability.&nbsp;

Jo explained that during this process, solar radiation would exert a "push" on the asteroid, leading to a gradual acceleration of its rotation. This continuous acceleration over millions of years would eventually cause the asteroid to spin rapidly enough for centrifugal forces to surpass the gravitational forces holding its smallest components together.&nbsp;

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In the case of Phaethon, this instability would result in partial fragmentation, giving rise to millions of gravel pieces, and potentially forming the Geminid meteor shower.&nbsp;

Their research has been accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

To validate their hypothesis, the researchers conducted a reverse analysis starting from the current day, calculating Phaethon's position and velocity over the past 100,000 years. Subsequently, they selected nine consecutive time intervals, each spanning 1,000 years, during which they simulated the asteroid ejecting rock fragments.

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The simulations revealed that a super-spinning Phaethon could have produced the Geminids. For one, their results suggested that the meteors' total mass would average 10 million tons. Moreover, two simulations almost exactly mimicked the Geminids' observed trajectories.

In these models, Phaethon's mass-shedding occurred 18,000 years ago, leading the researchers to conclude this was when the particles responsible for the Geminids were likely cast into space.

(With inputs from agencies)

The origin of the majestic Geminid meteor shower some 18,000 years ago has been a chaotic one, a new study suggests. If this is found to be true, then Geminid meteoroids are about 10 times older than previously estimated.

The origin of the majestic Geminid meteor shower some 18,000 years ago has been a chaotic one, a new study suggests. If this is found to be true, then Geminid meteoroids are about 10 times older than previously estimated. The Geminid meteor shower takes its name from the constellation Gemini, where the meteors appear to originate in the sky. However, these meteors stem from 3200 Phaethon, an unusual blue asteroid following an orbit shaped like a watermelon's path. This asteroid comes remarkably close to the sun, reaching just 0.14 astronomical units away, approximately one-tenth of the Earth's distance form Sun. Also Read | Little puppy make miraculous recovery, beats cancer and spontaneously regrows jaw During this phase of its orbit, Phaethon, measuring 3.2 miles wide (5.1 kilometres), develops a distinct comet-like tail. For years, astronomers believed that the tail was composed of rock fragments that form the dust cloud that in turn generates the Geminids. But as per the recent study, the tail’s present-day particles are a thousand times smaller than the Geminids’ head-size rock, which contradicts the previous theory. Some recent observations also suggest that these present-day tail particles may be made of vaporised sodium and not dust. Hence, the cloud of rock responsible for the Geminid meteor must have formed way earlier than it was thought. Also Read | Ancient black holes altering Earth's orbit once in 10 years, claim scientists Geminids are much older than previously thought Hangbin Jo, a graduate student at Korea’s Seoul National University and co-author Masateru Ishiguro, a professor in astronomy at the same university went on to produce some theories to find out the Geminids’ exact timeline. They came up with a mechanism called rotational instability. Jo explained that during this process, solar radiation would exert a "push" on the asteroid, leading to a gradual acceleration of its rotation. This continuous acceleration over millions of years would eventually cause the asteroid to spin rapidly enough for centrifugal forces to surpass the gravitational forces holding its smallest components together. Also Read | Women suffering from PCOS may face difficulty in memory and thinking: study In the case of Phaethon, this instability would result in partial fragmentation, giving rise to millions of gravel pieces, and potentially forming the Geminid meteor shower. Their research has been accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. To validate their hypothesis, the researchers conducted a reverse analysis starting from the current day, calculating Phaethon's position and velocity over the past 100,000 years. Subsequently, they selected nine consecutive time intervals, each spanning 1,000 years, during which they simulated the asteroid ejecting rock fragments. Also Read | Apple AI coming 'later this year', confirms CEO Tim Cook The simulations revealed that a super-spinning Phaethon could have produced the Geminids. For one, their results suggested that the meteors' total mass would average 10 million tons. Moreover, two simulations almost exactly mimicked the Geminids' observed trajectories. In these models, Phaethon's mass-shedding occurred 18,000 years ago, leading the researchers to conclude this was when the particles responsible for the Geminids were likely cast into space. (With inputs from agencies)

Geminid meteors could be 10 times older than previously believed, a new study suggests

The Geminids meteor shower, which is seen in mid-December every year, has lit up the night skies once again. According to a report by Forbes on Friday (Dec 15), the meteor peaked on Thursday night.

The Geminids meteor shower, which is seen in mid-December every year, has lit up the night skies once again. According to a report by Forbes on Friday (Dec 15), the meteor peaked on Thursday night. Even though the peak has now passed, the Geminids will continue through December 24. As per the report, the meteor shower was best seen in the Northern Hemisphere. Next year, there will be three meteor showers peaking in moonless skies- Quadrantids in early January, Eta Aquariids in May, and Perseids in August, the report added. What are Geminids? Geminids are a prolific meteor shower caused by 3200 Phaethon, an asteroid that may have broken off from a larger comet. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), observations show that the Geminids are denser than meteors belonging to other showers, enabling them to get as low as 29 miles above Earth’s surface before burning up. They are one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers. "The Geminids can be seen by most of the world. Yet, it is best viewed by observers in the Northern Hemisphere. As you enter the Southern Hemisphere and move towards the South Pole, the altitude of the Geminid radiant – the celestial point in the sky where the Geminid meteors appear to originate – gets lower and lower above the horizon," NASA said. How fast are Geminids? Geminids travel at a speed of 35km/second which is more than 1000 times faster than a cheetah, about 250 times faster than the swiftest car in the world, and over 40 times faster than a speeding bullet. “Most meteors appear to be colourless or white, however, the Geminids appear with a greenish hue. They’re pretty meteors!” said Bill Cooke, lead for the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Geminids meteor shower lights up night sky with a greenish hue

Geminid meteor shower 2022: The Geminids showers will peak between 2 and 3 a.m., with over 100 meteors approaching Earth, and Indian&nbsp;residents will be able to see them all with their own eyes. However, much depends on how clear the sky is.

Geminids travel at 78,000 mph (35 km/s), according to NASA data. This is more than 1000 times faster than a cheetah, about 250 times faster than the world's fastest car, and more than 40 times faster than a speeding bullet.

<h2>When and where to watch the Geminids showers 2022?</h2>

1. People living in areas near Bengaluru such as Hessarghatta, Bannerghatta, Devarayanadurga, and Kolar may have a&nbsp;good view of the meteor showers.

2. Despite the fact that 100-150 meteors will pass by in an hour, the Weather Channel predicts that people in Bengaluru will not be able to see them all due to light pollution.

3.&nbsp;The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium has made special arrangements to view the Gemenids.

<h2>How to watch the Geminids showers?&nbsp;</h2>

1. When you arrive at your desired location, look for an area devoid of buildings.

2. Arrive 30 minutes before the shower begins to adjust your eyes to the darkness.

3. Fortunately, no special equipment is required. Even telescopes are not recommended due to their limited field of view.

The Geminid meteor shower can be traced back to dusty debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which Earth passes through every December. This 3.6-mile (5.8-kilometre) wide space rock is the closest to the sun of any named asteroid and is thought to be a strange hybrid of an asteroid and a comet.

Read More :<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alert-2022-geminid-meteor-shower-most-beautiful-much-awaited-meteor-shower-heres-when-to-watch-542938">&nbsp;ALERT ! 2022 Geminid meteor shower, most beautiful &amp; much-awaited meteor shower, Here's when to watch</a>

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Geminid meteor shower 2022: The Geminids showers will peak between 2 and 3 a.m., with over 100 meteors approaching Earth, and Indian residents will be able to see them all with their own eyes.

Geminid meteor shower 2022: The Geminids showers will peak between 2 and 3 a.m., with over 100 meteors approaching Earth, and Indian residents will be able to see them all with their own eyes. However, much depends on how clear the sky is. Geminids travel at 78,000 mph (35 km/s), according to NASA data. This is more than 1000 times faster than a cheetah, about 250 times faster than the world's fastest car, and more than 40 times faster than a speeding bullet. When and where to watch the Geminids showers 2022? 1. People living in areas near Bengaluru such as Hessarghatta, Bannerghatta, Devarayanadurga, and Kolar may have a good view of the meteor showers. 2. Despite the fact that 100-150 meteors will pass by in an hour, the Weather Channel predicts that people in Bengaluru will not be able to see them all due to light pollution. 3. The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium has made special arrangements to view the Gemenids. How to watch the Geminids showers? 1. When you arrive at your desired location, look for an area devoid of buildings. 2. Arrive 30 minutes before the shower begins to adjust your eyes to the darkness. 3. Fortunately, no special equipment is required. Even telescopes are not recommended due to their limited field of view. The Geminid meteor shower can be traced back to dusty debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which Earth passes through every December. This 3.6-mile (5.8-kilometre) wide space rock is the closest to the sun of any named asteroid and is thought to be a strange hybrid of an asteroid and a comet. Read More : ALERT ! 2022 Geminid meteor shower, most beautiful & much-awaited meteor shower, Here's when to watch WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Geminid meteor shower 2022: When and where to watch the dazzling celestial event in India

The Geminid meteor shower is caused by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This is in contrast to most meteor showers, which are triggered by comets rather than asteroids. Simon Green and John Davies identified 3200 Phaethon on photos taken by the IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) on October 11, 1983. In 1985, it was awarded the asteroid designation 3200 Phaethon after being given the naming 1983 TB. Fred Whipple stated that this asteroid had the same orbit as the Geminid meteor shower. This was extremely unique, as an asteroid has never previously been proposed as the cause of a meteor shower. It's still unclear how debris from the asteroid's surface or interior ends up in the meteoroid stream.

Why in mid-December?&nbsp;

3200 Phaethon first comes near the sun. The distance is half the distance between the sun and the innermost planet, Mercury. Then it zooms out past Mars' orbit. On its inbound leg, the meteor material contacts the earth's orbit, and the earth arrives at this spot every mid-December, hence the Geminid meteor shower.

The Moon connection

This year a declining gibbous moon will be visible above the horizon during optimal viewing hours. On the evenings of December 13 and 14, one alternative is to watch by moonlight. Also, because the moon rises soon before midnight on both December 13 and 14, keep an eye out in the evening before the moon rises. Geminid meteors are bright, white, and fast. The brightest ones will outshine the moonlight. The final quarter moon of 2022 occurs on December 16. So, in 2022, a dazzling waning gibbous moon will rise in the midst of the Geminids' peak.

When to watch?

Gemini will be visible by mid-evening in December. On the evenings of December 13 and 14, the moon rises later, soon before midnight. In addition, the moon rises later on December 14, giving you additional opportunity to observe meteors. It's worth a shot on December 14th evening!

Peak time: The Geminids can be observed from a dark-sky position about 2 a.m. local time (for all time zones).

Shower Duration&nbsp;

The Geminid meteor shower occurs between November 19 and December 24. When the radiant is at its peak, it is possible to see 120 Geminid meteors every hour under a dark sky with no moon. The vivid, white, and dazzling Geminids provide one of the greatest showers in the Northern Hemisphere. The Geminids may also be seen from the Southern Hemisphere, but at a reduced pace.

The Geminid meteor shower is caused by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This is in contrast to most meteor showers, which are triggered by comets rather than asteroids.

The Geminid meteor shower is caused by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This is in contrast to most meteor showers, which are triggered by comets rather than asteroids. Simon Green and John Davies identified 3200 Phaethon on photos taken by the IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) on October 11, 1983. In 1985, it was awarded the asteroid designation 3200 Phaethon after being given the naming 1983 TB. Fred Whipple stated that this asteroid had the same orbit as the Geminid meteor shower. This was extremely unique, as an asteroid has never previously been proposed as the cause of a meteor shower. It's still unclear how debris from the asteroid's surface or interior ends up in the meteoroid stream. Why in mid-December? 3200 Phaethon first comes near the sun. The distance is half the distance between the sun and the innermost planet, Mercury. Then it zooms out past Mars' orbit. On its inbound leg, the meteor material contacts the earth's orbit, and the earth arrives at this spot every mid-December, hence the Geminid meteor shower. The Moon connection This year a declining gibbous moon will be visible above the horizon during optimal viewing hours. On the evenings of December 13 and 14, one alternative is to watch by moonlight. Also, because the moon rises soon before midnight on both December 13 and 14, keep an eye out in the evening before the moon rises. Geminid meteors are bright, white, and fast. The brightest ones will outshine the moonlight. The final quarter moon of 2022 occurs on December 16. So, in 2022, a dazzling waning gibbous moon will rise in the midst of the Geminids' peak. When to watch? Gemini will be visible by mid-evening in December. On the evenings of December 13 and 14, the moon rises later, soon before midnight. In addition, the moon rises later on December 14, giving you additional opportunity to observe meteors. It's worth a shot on December 14th evening! Peak time: The Geminids can be observed from a dark-sky position about 2 a.m. local time (for all time zones). Shower Duration The Geminid meteor shower occurs between November 19 and December 24. When the radiant is at its peak, it is possible to see 120 Geminid meteors every hour under a dark sky with no moon. The vivid, white, and dazzling Geminids provide one of the greatest showers in the Northern Hemisphere. The Geminids may also be seen from the Southern Hemisphere, but at a reduced pace.

ALERT ! 2022 Geminid meteor shower, most beautiful & much-awaited meteor shower, Here's when to watch

The skies will be aglow with a spectacular display of shooting stars tonight. The Geminid meteor shower is a yearly thing, it returns each December, and this year it will peak on Monday night and continue into the early hours of Tuesday.

Let's refresh our memory on why meteors appear so bright. Meteors are high-speed pieces of debris that burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Their speeds can reach 70 km per second, which results in pretty light trails in the sky.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wait-what-scientists-say-water-in-our-oceans-has-alien-origins-436557" hreflang="en">Wait, what!? Scientists say water in our oceans has alien origins</a>

The Geminids are a popular stargazing phenomenon because they are very bright, fast, and quite often multicoloured.

While they are mainly white, some may appear yellow, green, red, and blue, caused by the presence of trace amounts of sodium and calcium - the same elements used to make fireworks.

At its height, the shower can produce more than 100 meteors an hour, but light pollution might prevent people from seeing these many.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-discover-trouble-making-nemesis-twin-of-the-sun-435917" hreflang="en">Astronomers discover trouble-making 'nemesis' twin of the Sun</a>

If you can't attend the shower in person, NASA will be live-streaming it online on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NasaMeteorWatch">NASA Meteor Watch</a> page on Facebook.

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Seen any shooting stars recently?🌠 
 
Every December we have a chance to see one of our favorite meteor showers, the Geminids. The shower will peak this Sunday and you can tune into a live stream of the shower on the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> Meteor Watch FB Page. Learn More: <a href="https://t.co/DowUA7m0sL">https://t.co/DowUA7m0sL</a> <a href="https://t.co/so9dvON0IA">pic.twitter.com/so9dvON0IA</a>
— NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Marshall/status/1469071864605683714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, the shooting stars originate from a stream of debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, making it one of the few showers that do not originate from a comet.

Watch |&nbsp;NASA launches DART mission to test asteroid defense concept

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-launches-dart-mission-to-test-asteroid-defense-concept-431957/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There is no need for binoculars or telescopes for viewing the display, instead, people can watch it with the naked eye.

Astronomers, however,&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;that they do not look directly towards the radiant meteors, as focusing on one can limit the number of meteors they can see. They say, that people will have a better chance of spotting the display by looking to the side and in a dark area of the sky.

The skies will be aglow with a spectacular display of shooting stars tonight. The Geminid meteor shower is a yearly thing, it returns each December, and this year it will peak on Monday night and continue into the early hours of Tuesday.

The skies will be aglow with a spectacular display of shooting stars tonight. The Geminid meteor shower is a yearly thing, it returns each December, and this year it will peak on Monday night and continue into the early hours of Tuesday. Let's refresh our memory on why meteors appear so bright. Meteors are high-speed pieces of debris that burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Their speeds can reach 70 km per second, which results in pretty light trails in the sky. Also read | Wait, what!? Scientists say water in our oceans has alien origins The Geminids are a popular stargazing phenomenon because they are very bright, fast, and quite often multicoloured. While they are mainly white, some may appear yellow, green, red, and blue, caused by the presence of trace amounts of sodium and calcium - the same elements used to make fireworks. At its height, the shower can produce more than 100 meteors an hour, but light pollution might prevent people from seeing these many. Also read | Astronomers discover trouble-making 'nemesis' twin of the Sun If you can't attend the shower in person, NASA will be live-streaming it online on their NASA Meteor Watch page on Facebook. Seen any shooting stars recently?🌠 Every December we have a chance to see one of our favorite meteor showers, the Geminids. The shower will peak this Sunday and you can tune into a live stream of the shower on the @NASA Meteor Watch FB Page. Learn More: https://t.co/DowUA7m0sL pic.twitter.com/so9dvON0IA — NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) December 9, 2021 × Interestingly, the shooting stars originate from a stream of debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, making it one of the few showers that do not originate from a comet. Watch | NASA launches DART mission to test asteroid defense concept There is no need for binoculars or telescopes for viewing the display, instead, people can watch it with the naked eye. Astronomers, however, recommend that they do not look directly towards the radiant meteors, as focusing on one can limit the number of meteors they can see. They say, that people will have a better chance of spotting the display by looking to the side and in a dark area of the sky.

Tonight, tomorrow...Resplendent Geminid meteor shower to light up the skies

Love watching fireworks in the sky? According to a PTI report, people living in Kolkata and in parts of the country will get to witness a meteor shower starting tomorrow night until the early hours of December 14.&nbsp;

The Geminid meteor shower is expected to provide a celestial display and people will have to move out of the glare of city lights to a darker region to enjoy the celestial&nbsp;display, Director, M P Birla Planetarium, Debiprosad Duari said today.

It is recommended to go out in the open and keep an eye on the&nbsp;sky. Binoculars or telescopes will not be required.&nbsp;

&quot;This year the Geminid meteor shower is predicted to peak on the night of December 13 and the early morning of December 14. The shower will start at around 10 pm on December 13 when the Gemini constellation will be visible in the north-eastern sky, a little above and right of the familiar Orion constellation,&quot; Mr Duari said.

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Heads-up, Earthlings! The annual Geminid meteor shower has arrived, peaking overnight Dec. 13-14. It&#39;s a good time to bundle up! Then, go outside and let the universe blow your mind! Get the details: <a href="https://t.co/7RiS9AoCaF">https://t.co/7RiS9AoCaF</a> <a href="https://t.co/6aYshYCqef">pic.twitter.com/6aYshYCqef</a>
&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/940405447563104256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak at around 2 am on December 14.

The meteor shower is named as it appears to have originated from the constellation of Gemini. It is not a comet but an unusual asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, discovered in 1983.

Rocks and dust particles from space which are about to collide with Earth&#39;s atmosphere are called meteoroids, the ones that streak through the atmosphere are called meteors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak at around 2 am on December 14

Love watching fireworks in the sky? According to a PTI report, people living in Kolkata and in parts of the country will get to witness a meteor shower starting tomorrow night until the early hours of December 14. The Geminid meteor shower is expected to provide a celestial display and people will have to move out of the glare of city lights to a darker region to enjoy the celestial display, Director, M P Birla Planetarium, Debiprosad Duari said today. It is recommended to go out in the open and keep an eye on the sky. Binoculars or telescopes will not be required. "This year the Geminid meteor shower is predicted to peak on the night of December 13 and the early morning of December 14. The shower will start at around 10 pm on December 13 when the Gemini constellation will be visible in the north-eastern sky, a little above and right of the familiar Orion constellation," Mr Duari said. Heads-up, Earthlings! The annual Geminid meteor shower has arrived, peaking overnight Dec. 13-14. It's a good time to bundle up! Then, go outside and let the universe blow your mind! Get the details: https://t.co/7RiS9AoCaF pic.twitter.com/6aYshYCqef — NASA (@NASA) December 12, 2017 × The Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak at around 2 am on December 14. The meteor shower is named as it appears to have originated from the constellation of Gemini. It is not a comet but an unusual asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, discovered in 1983. Rocks and dust particles from space which are about to collide with Earth's atmosphere are called meteoroids, the ones that streak through the atmosphere are called meteors. (With inputs from PTI)

Geminid meteor shower: Celestial display to be visible in India on December 13

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