Vietnam ideal to watch year’s largest meteor shower

The largest meteor shower of the year is currently taking place and is set to end on Dec. 17, known for its large numbers of meteors and the bright streaks they leave in the night sky.

Dang Vu Tuan Son, head of the Vietnam Astronomy and Cosmology Association, said the best time to watch Geminids will be early on Dec. 14, though showers can still be seen on the night before and after the period.

As there will be no moonlight in the way, people in Vietnam will find it easy to observe the meteor showers. In ideal conditions, one can see up to 100 meteors an hour during peak periods, he added.

Son said while the meteor showers will be visible throughout the entire night, the best time to watch them would be after midnight. There will be no tools needed to observe the showers, though Son suggested looking for a place with a wide view and little artificial light.

The Geminids are caused by object 3200 Phatheon, which is thought to be an asteroid. As Earth passes through the orbit section where the meteors are, they will enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn, creating the showers.