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If you're looking for a reason to get outside tonight, the Geminids meteor shower will be at its peak for viewing -- and it's going to be brilliant. According to astronomers...

"If you have not seen a mighty Geminid fireball arcing gracefully across an expanse of sky, then you have not seen a meteor."

Gene Gardner, of the Smithsonian Institution's Whipple Observatory, tells us that "on Thursday, December 13th, the meteor shower can be viewed as early as 8 - 10pm local time with the best viewing around 2am (on the 14th)". The moon is in its new phase this year, making the 2007 Geminids shower appear exceptionally bright.



If you know your constellations, keep your eyes on Gemini -- that's where the meteors emanate from. Mars might also catch your eye tonight as it, too, shines in Gemini.

Of course, it is December, so if you plan on standing out in the cold to view the meteors, dress warmly. Bring a blanket, rally your friends, and enjoy a night of "stellar" entertainment.


Photo credit: time-exposure photo by Jimmy Westlake/Colorado Mountain College