Want to end 2022 on a magical note by wishing on a shooting star? The Geminids meteor shower is happening from 14 to 16 December 2022 – and here’s where to catch it.
Meteor showers, or shooting stars as they’re called, happen a few times a year, with the Perseids, Orionids, and Geminids being some of the most prominent ones. Geminids is the last meteor shower of the year, so if you’ve ever wanted to see one for yourself, now’s your chance.
The meteor shower will peak on 14 December, and it’s best to view it between 9pm to 12am. Go before moonrise at 12am to get an optimal view, as you’ll see less meteors once the waning gibbous moon (a three-quarters full moon) comes up.
You don’t need a telescope to view this meteor shower, but if you have one, that’ll definitely give you an added bonus. Grab a picnic mat, get comfortable, and let your eyes get accustomed to the dark for optimal viewing.
Picking a darker spot to view the meteor shower will let you see more of it, and here are five stargazing spots you can view the Geminids at:
1. Pulau Ubin
A nature getaway from the city lights, Pulau Ubin is a great place for stargazing with its many campsites and unobstructed views of the sky. The best part is, you can camp overnight too, though the last ferry will leave at 6pm, so you’ll have to go during the day (or afternoon) at Pulau Ubin and spend the night there.
2. Yishun Dam
This scenic stretch of rock and pavement facing the sea at Yishun Dam is a great place to watch the meteor shower. You can sit on the rocks and look up at the stars, or lay your picnic mat on the sand and wish on a shooting star or two.
3. Springleaf Nature Park
One of the most popular spots for astronomy groups, Springleaf Nature Park is one of the least light-polluted spots in Singapore – you can even see the Milky Way from here, so it’s an optimal spot to view the Geminids.
4. Lorong Halus Bridge
There’s a pretty bridge in Lorong Halus, a secluded spot in Punggol that offers great views of the night sky. You can lie on the bridge and point out the stars, making it a great spot to watch the shower from.
5. Changi Bay Point
A scenic coastal area perfect for watching the sky, sea, and everything in between, Changi Bay Point offers a boardwalk with a deck you can view the night sky from, perfect for viewing the meteor shower in comfort.
6. TASOS
TASOS, or The Astronomical Society of Singapore, hosts stargazing sessions, with an upcoming session taking place on Friday, 16 December 2022 from 8 to 10pm (weather permitting). The group will be hosting the viewing session at Labrador Park, where you can view both Mars (yes, the planet) and the Geminids. Though the meteor shower will be past its peak, it’s still a good opportunity to mingle with other like-minded astronomers and make some new friends !
It’s time to make a wish upon a star, and who knows, maybe it just might come true.
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