Catch the Geminid Meteor Shower Dec 13-14, 2012

-
The Geminids are usually the last and one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year. the August Perseids is the other major meteor shower.  This December 13-14, the new moon will provide a dark sky, better providing a grand backdrop for these showers.

Also known as Falling Stars or Shooting Stars, a meteor shower appears as streaks of light when a meteorite enters the earth's atmosphere. A comet will pass too close to the sun and small bits of debris will break off leaving a trail of small pieces. When the earth rotates through the comet's path, these small pieces burn looking like falling stars.

When? December 13-14 starting at dusk with good viewing starting around 9 EST and best viewing around 1 am on the 14th.

 What to wear? Dress warmly. It may not happen immediately.

Where to watch? If you are staying in a hotel the wonderful part about the Adirondack Park is there is very little residual light pollution. There will be plenty of quiet, dark spots to bring an folding chair. The alternative is in your own backyard. 

What to bring? Blankets, hats, folding chair, gloves, camera, telescope (if possible) and hot chocolate!

Did you know? NASA states that this meteor show may produce up to 120 meteors/hour!

See which member of your family can see the first meteor! Enjoy!

© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time™, which is available online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the third guidebook in the four-book series of Adirondack Family Activities™.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Be A Nature Detective: What Tree has Camouflage Bark?

-
Image
The American sycamore! This massive tree is often mistaken for a maple because of its leaves.  It is unique amongst all trees because of its bark pattern. Are there other names for the sycamore tree? It is also called an American planetree, buttonwood or the buttonball tree. Where does it grow? This hardy tree likes wet soil. It can be found growing in every state east of the Great Plains, except Minnesota. How big will it get? It can grow up to 90' tall. t is also North America's largest native broadleaf plant.
Read more

Crafts: Aldo Leopold Bench Plans

-
Image
Enjoy these simple plans for this simple bench that provides a perfect place to observe the natural world.  C onsidered by many as the father of wildlife management and of the United States’ wilderness system, Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast . “That land is a community is the basic concept off ecology, but that land is to be loved and respected is an extension of ethics.” Though his book, The Sand County Almanac is a must read, it may be something that can wait for anyone with very young children. For everyone else, it's a wonderful example of nature writing that is a timeless connection to the land. My family first made our first  "Leopold Bench" as a group effort at the Aldo celebration at the A dirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb, NY. It remains one our most comfortable outdoor benches. It also was a project that allowed us to work together. © Diane Chase, author of A dirondac
Read more

Adirondack Treats: Make Your Own Mirror Lake Inn Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe)

-
Image
Mirror Lake Inn Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Back by popular demand! My favorite cookie recipe!    *reprinted with permission Mirror Lake Inn Chocolate Chip Cookies , Lake Placid, N.Y. Mix until light and fluffy 2 cups butter 2 cups sugar 1 cup brown sugar Blend and add to sugar mixture:  4 eggs Add: 4 tsp. vanilla 4 cups flour 3 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking soda 4 cups chocolate chips 2 cups broken walnuts (I omit) Drop onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Yields 4 dozen. Tip: I whip up a batch and keep the dough in the refrigerator and bake a few cookies at a time! Enjoy! *if you stay at the Inn you get complimentary afternoon tea and chocolate chip cookies daily. If not, you can make your own and pretend!
Read more