On Thursday night, 12/13/2001, skywatchers will be treated to the annual Geminid Meteor Shower. With 50-100 meteors per hour visible under ideal conditions, the Geminids are one of the most reliable shows of the year. This year, we've even gotten the moon to cooperate by not being around. The moon will be new on Friday. Geminid Meteors appear to emanate from the constellation Gemini. More specifically, they will be centered new the leading star, Castor(mag1.58)
Since this constellation is already rising fairly early, you'll be able to catch a few meteors shortly after dark. These early meteors, while relatively few in number, are often the most spectacular. They belong to a class of meteors called "Earthgrazers". These are meteors which don't hit the Earth's atmosphere at a steep angle -- these hit at a very gradual angle, almost parallel to the atmosphere. These often stretch halfway across the sky. As the night progresses, the number of meteors will grow rapidly -- you'll be assured of catching a bunch of meteors by about 10:00pm. Gemini will be high in the east by this time. Peak activity will run from about midnight, when Gemini is at it's highest, until dawn. During this period, you could see as many as 100 meteors per hour. Make sure to dress warmly, though. Depending on your location, it could be quite chilly this late in the year. Remember to keep an eye on the Utah Skies website at www.UtahSkies.org for updates and images after the event.
Checkout this amazing Leonid Earthgrazer captured by Michael Vasseur and Pierre Martin on November 18, 2001. There will likely be a few of these Thursday night.