Posted on 12/23/2015 12:33:59 AM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Where do Geminid meteors come from? In terms of location on the sky, as the featured image composite beautifully demonstrates, the sand-sized bits of rock that create the streaks of the Geminid Meteor Shower appear to flow out from the constellation of Gemini. In terms of parent body, Solar System trajectories point to the asteroid 3200 Phaethon -- but this results in a bit of a mystery since that unusual object appears mostly dormant. Perhaps, 3200 Phaethon undergoes greater dust-liberating events than we know, but even if so, exactly what happens and why remains a riddle. Peaking last week, over 50 meteors including a bright fireball were captured streaking above Xinglong Observatory in China. Since the Geminids of December are one of the most predictable and active meteor showers, investigations into details of its origin are likely to continue.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit and Copyright: Steed Yu and NightChina.net]
http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/post?id=3375869%2C0
http://129.164.179.22/apod/image/1512/GemindsXinglong_Steed_960.jpg
http://129.164.179.22/apod/image/1512/GemindsXinglong_Steed_2000.jpg
WOW - those photos super enlarge!!!
They do. This has been a big year for the Geminids, at least as far as APoD is concerned.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.