Weathernews announced the national weather trends from the night of December 14th to the early morning of December 15th, when the "Geminids meteor shower", one of the three major meteor showers, reaches its peak. Although there will be more clouds over a wide area of the country on the day, it is expected that there will be more areas that can be observed through the clouds.
■ What is the Gemini meteor shower? The Geminids meteor shower is one of the three major meteor showers along with the Quadrantids meteor shower and the Perseids meteor shower. Compared to other meteor showers, it is a salaryman-like meteor shower with less hits and misses depending on the year. It is also characterized by the constant appearance of meteors all night, and when looking up at the sky during peak hours, one can often be observed in 5 to 10 minutes.
"Geminids meteor shower" radiant point (Image from Weathernews special site "Geminids meteor shower 2015")
The radiant point is near the Gemini Castor in the eastern sky. The peak of appearance this year is around 3:00 on December 15th. Therefore, observation is suitable from the night of the 14th to before the dawn of the 15th. Also, the moon sets at night, so you don't have to worry about the moonlight.
■ What is the weather on the day? From the night of the 14th to the early morning of the 15th, when the Gemini meteor shower peaks, clouds tend to spread over a wide area of the country due to the effects of weak low pressure and moist air, but this year there is no effect of moonlight, so there are gaps in the clouds. If you aim at, you will be able to fully enjoy the observation.
It will be sunny on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, which is close to the high pressure, and it is expected to be a perfect night sky for observation. However, thick clouds will spread in southern Kyushu and western Shikoku, which are close to low pressure systems, and it will be difficult to observe.
The information released this time is based on the forecast as of December 8. For the latest information, please
check the company's PC site, smartphone site , or "Starry Sky Ch." Of the smartphone application "Weathernews Touch".
■ Live broadcast of "Gemini meteor shower" from 7 locations nationwide on "SOLiVE24" The 24-hour live broadcast program "SOLiVE24" broadcasts a special program that broadcasts meteors in real time from seven locations nationwide that are expected to be suitable for observation. Broadcast is scheduled from 23:00 to 25:00 on the 14th (pre-program from 22:00). The program can be viewed from "SOLiVE24Ch." Of "Weathernews Touch", TV (BS910ch), special site for PC "Gemini meteor shower 2015", YouTube and Nico Nico Live Broadcasting.