Meteor Activity Outlook for November 28-December 4, 2020

This outstanding fireball was captured by Christy Turner on August 13, 2020, at 06:41 UT from near Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Notice the fireball’s reflection off the water. Credit: Christy Turner
No matter where you live, the first half of December provides some of the best meteor activity of the year. Unfortunately this year the bright moon will hamper the viewing of this activity during the first week of the month. In the northern hemisphere the sporadic rates are still strong plus you can also count on strong activity from the Geminids, which peak on December 14th. There are also several minor sources that add a few meteors each hour. All of these centers of activity are located high in the sky during the early morning hours this time of year. Much of the activity mentioned above can also be seen from the southern hemisphere. While the sporadic rates are not as strong as those seen from the north, they are stronger than the previous months and heading for a maximum in February. The warm, but short summer nights south of the equator make for some great viewing as long as the moon does not interfere.
During this period, the moon ...