O’Brien County, Iowa — The last meteor shower of the year, the Geminids, is now on display in the night sky.
The Geminids Meteor Shower is a favorite meteor shower viewing opportunity for a variety of reasons. This shower is one of the most reliable of the year, seen as the earth passes through the remnants of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Darkness sets in early; and although the likelihood of seeing meteors increases throughout the night and peaks at around 2:00 a.m., the Conservation Board says an evening walk may be the best time to catch a view of an earthgrazer meteor. They say an earthgrazer is a slow-moving, long-lasting meteor that travels horizontally across the sky.
The O’Brien County Conservation Board is hosting a night walk tonight beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Conservation Board advises you to come dressed for the weather and prepared for a walk outdoors on uneven terrain. They say the Meteor Shower Walk will offer a different look at the winter prairie under the cover of night. While hiking, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in other night events such as owl calling and star gazing.
For more information, contact the Prairie Heritage Center at 712-295-7200.
