Dumfries and Galloway stargazers will have the chance to see a spectacular display of shooting stars on Wednesday night as the peak of the year’s best meteor shower – the Geminids – happens overnight.
The Geminids are expected to put on an impressive show, with as many as 60 meteors per hour.
Steve Owens – astronomer and executive director of the space-themed Crawick Multiverse artland – says the lack of light pollution over Dumfries and Galloway creates perfect viewing conditions.
He said: “This is the chance to witness the most active and reliable meteor shower of the year. If you have clear skies, and can get somewhere dark and away from light pollution, then the peak of the Geminids meteor shower is the perfect opportunity to get out and witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
“The best way to enjoy the shower is to warp up warm and bring a deck chair and blanket! Don’t worry about looking in any specific direction; just lie back, fill your eyes with as much sky as you can, and enjoy the show!
“This amazing meteor shower is happening as the Earth passes through a cloud of dust left behind by an ancient asteroid. These tiny bits of dust burn up in our atmosphere, creating streaks of light that we call shooting stars, or meteors.”
Crawick Multiverse is running a series of stargazing events over the winter months. Times and dates, as well as booking links, can be found at www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk
You can keep track of what’s happening at Crawick Multiverse via the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crawickmultiverse or check out @CMVerse on Twitter or #CrawickMultiverse on Instagram.
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