What is Geminid meteor shower ? Why is it on google doodle ?

NP NEWS 24 ONLINE – The Geminids are a meteor shower caused by the object 3200 Phaethon, which is thought to be a Palladian asteroid with a “rock comet” orbit. This would make the Geminids, together with the Quadrantids, the only major meteor showers not originating from a comet. The meteors from this shower are slow moving, can be seen in December and usually peak around December 13–14, with the date of highest intensity being the morning of December 14.

The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular night-time sky shows of the year. It creates bright, long-lasting streaks across the sky.

Just like every Google doodle they have created a different doodle in its own way and has a story to tell, today’s 7-panel Google doodle is somewhat special. Set across 7 swipe screens, the doodle is a visual treat just like Geminid meteor shower. The background of the galaxy, with animated planets seen enjoying a meteor shower.

“With the moon setting just before midnight, conditions should be perfect for a classic Geminids meteor shower this year,” Slooh astronomer Paul Cox said in a statement.

The peak of the meteor shower begins Thursday night, and lasts through Friday night. You may be able to one or two meteors per minute, if you have access to a dark-enough sky. This meteor shower is perhaps only rivaled by the Perseid meteor shower in August in the number of meteors you can see per night.

You don’t need a telescope or magnifying glass to watch today’s shower, as it will be visible to the naked eye. To watch it, simply go the darkest place you find in the open, and a clear spot with no buildings obstructing the sky – and you are set. You eyes will need about half an hour to adjust to the darkness before you can actually start to see the shower.