Move over, summer Perseids. December's Geminid shower is considered the best and most reliable meteor shower of the year. Under dark clear skies, counts can reach 50-100 per hour or more on peak night. But this is only one of many factors that set these meteors apart from all other showers. Their speed and composition create meteors that flare low in the atmosphere, are easier to spot, and leave bright, often yellow, trails.
This is one of the very few showers visible all night long. What causes this dazzling display and why does it occur at this time of year? Come learn about these unique meteors, their unusual history, and their mysterious origin.
This Focus Night equips you for a Geminid ”peak” experience. Unlike planets that can hang around for months, a meteor shower is only visible over a short period of time. Highest counts will occur later in the night and into the early morning hours Dec 12th-14th. You will learn about different kinds of showers, how best to view them, and how to understand what you are seeing. You’ll also discover factors that influence meteor counts and how to optimize your viewing tonight and tomorrow.
Plan to be in the classroom by 6:55 to ensure you have a seat. Program begins promptly at 7:00pm. Sales are limited to 40 guests so we can provide a more personal experience. Please note that this event starts on time with a presentation. Account for extra time driving up the mountain and parking.
You MUST have a ticket to attend this event. Attendance is limited. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for future events.
Please note, members receive a 20% discount. If you'd like to become a member, please fill out a member application form and you will be sent a promotional code to use when purchasing tickets.
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, and all of the proceeds will go towards maintaining this beloved Sonoma county institution.
The Valley of the Moon Observatory Association (VMOA) is volunteer amateur and professional astronomers plus a small supporting staff organized as a nonprofit association to provide educational programs about science and astronomy for students, the public, and in support of educators.
The VMOA is responsible for the construction, maintenance and utilization of the Robert Ferguson Observatory and functions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the auspices of the California State Parks System, and in cooperation with our local state parks.
Find more Robert Ferguson Observatory Events
