Unlocking the Mystery of the Unusual Geminids Meteor Shower
Each year in December, a unique meteor shower graces the night sky. Known as the Geminids, these meteors are the result of an unusual, mysterious asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. For years, scientists have puzzled over the origin of this unusual meteor shower, but recent research is helping to demystify the Geminids.
The Geminids meteor shower is an annual phenomenon that provides a spectacular show for night sky watchers. Every December, these meteors appear to be coming from the constellation Gemini, hence their name. But what makes the Geminids so unusual is that their origin is an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. This asteroid is the only known “rock comet” in our Solar System, meaning it behaves like a comet, but is made of rock and dust. Scientists have long wondered how this asteroid produces the Geminids, and now recent research is beginning to provide answers.
source: Phys.org