Look up, meteor shower ahead

Photographers and stargazers should stay up late and look to the skies this week as one of the biggest meteor showers of the year hits its peak.

So long as the sky remains clear, the Geminid meteor show will be at its best tonight and tomorrow (December 15), with minimal moonlight around to lessen the experience.

The Geminids have been reported to generate up to 160 meteors an hour, however, 80-120 hits are more regularly sighted.

Remtrek Astronomy owner Phill Witt said meteor showers were a hot topic for a lot of people.

“Find a nice bit of pindan dirt with a picnic blanket from midnight on, look up and you should get a good show, ” he said.

“The Geminids have quite a high meteor rate.”

The best viewing time is 2am and can be seen in any part of the night sky, though some say look south for best results.

Local photographer Geoffrey Ellis told the Pilbara News an ISO of 3200 with 20-second shutter speed would be optimal for capturing meteors.