'Drown in stars' during meteor shower - astronomer

Nick Hewitt, an astronomer from Northamptonshire, has shared exciting news about the Geminid meteor shower, which is one of the most spectacular displays of shooting stars each year. This annual event takes place from December 4 to December 20, with the peak viewing night on December 14. Nick hopes that this dazzling meteor shower will inspire more people to look up at the night sky and appreciate its wonders. He expressed, 'I think there's endless fascination - we've learnt so much over the last few hundred years and there's always something up there that's going to surprise us. ' To see the shooting stars clearly, he recommends finding a dark area away from city lights, as this will greatly enhance your chances of witnessing the meteors. Meteors are tiny pieces of debris that can range in size from a grain of sand to a pea. When these particles enter the Earth's atmosphere, they burn up and create bright streaks of light, which we commonly refer to as shooting stars. In places with minimal light pollution, these meteors can be seen with the naked eye, making it a thrilling experience for stargazers. Nick has shared some valuable tips for those who want to enjoy the meteor shower. First, it is essential to dress warmly, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Second, turning off all nearby lights will help your eyes adjust to the darkness, allowing you to see the meteors more clearly. Third, patience is key; it may take some time before you spot something extraordinary. Lastly, give your eyes about 10 to 15 minutes to adapt to the dark surroundings. During the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, it is expected that up to 150 meteors will be visible, and they can appear in various colors, including white, yellow, green, red, and blue. Nick suggests that you don’t need to travel far from urban areas to find a good viewing spot. He mentions that areas just west of Towcester and the rural surroundings of Raunds are excellent locations for stargazing. On particularly clear nights, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way, which is a breathtaking sight. Nick believes that witnessing the Milky Way in all its glory is one of the most beautiful experiences one can have. He also humorously recounted a time when he thought he saw a UFO in the sky above Northamptonshire, only to discover it was the end of a rocket. For those interested in learning more about the night sky, Nick recommends attending astronomy talks organized by the Northamptonshire Natural History Society. He encourages everyone to 'learn your constellations, work out where the planets are and then buy yourself a pair of binoculars. Drown in stars, it's lovely.