Falling stars

[mattib76]

Hello everyone, I live about one hour north of NYC and I saw a few shooting stars this morning at about 0300. One in particular was very low and slow with a very long yellow tail. Did anyone else see any? Thanks.

 

[harmonicaman]

Very cool observation and that a was a nicely detailed report! <br /><br />The Geminid meteor shower usually sees about 80 meteors per hour at its ZHR, (Zenith Hourly Rate). The Geminids radiate from the constellation Gemini. On December 12th and 13th we see the first peak and on 13th & 14th we will see the second, larger peak. <br /><br />The Geminid meteor shower is different than other meteor showers in that it has a good show before midnight! Meteors come in many different colors. The Leonids tend to be green in color and the Geminids (which you likely observed) tend to be yellow * .<br /><br />Some meteors also leave trails that hang in the air for several seconds. These are more frequent in other meteor showers, but they can also occur in the Geminids.<br /><br /><br /> <b> * Meteor Element Color Scale</b><br /><br />A meteors' color is determined by its velocity and material composition:<br /><br />Sodium : Orange-yellow <br />Iron : Yellow <br />Magnesium : Blue-green <br />Calcium : Violet <br />Silicon : Red

 

[mpai]

Congratulations. Like harmonicaman has described, its the Geminids meteor shower that you saw. <br /><br />Hope you case your wish ;-)<br /><br />We are keeping a watch since the past two nights and will contine for another two nights. We do not expect to see many as the bright and waxing moon around is playing spoil sport :-(<br />