Geminid meteor shower to be visible above Northern Ireland tonight
Star gazers can expect to witness the colourful Geminid meteor shower tonight.
The display of meteors, also known as shooting stars, is predicted to be most visible between 3am tonight (13th Dec) and 7am tomorrow morning (14th Dec) over Northern Ireland.
The Geminid meteor show returns every December, and is known as the most active shower, boasting up to 150 meteors per hour.
If you're an early riser, and would like to catch a glimpse, you don't need any special equipment, they should be visible with the naked eye.
Where do meteor showers come from?
Every year Earth passes through dusty debris trails, which allows bits to collide with our atmosphere and disintegrate to create fiery and colourful streaks in the sky.
The best way to catch a glimpse is to escape the city and head to the country, where there is a clear view of the horizon. The darker it is, the easier they will be to see.
Top Tips for watching Geminids:
- Watch for an hour or more
Your eyes need to adapt to the dark, that can take as long as 20 minutes. Plus meteors tend to come in short bursts, followed by lulls, so be patient!
- Pay attention to the moon
Anything in the moon’s path will likely be washed out by its bright light, so it's best to place yourself in a moon shadow
- Stay away from city lights
An open sky will increase your chances of seeing some meteors, so find a dark place to observe in the country.
Check out some of our favourite sunrise/sunset spots across NI 👇
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Imagine the views from up there 🤯The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede, this is the perfect breakfast/picnic spot!
Giant's Causeway
One of NI's most iconic landmarks, and it's easy to why! No matter the time of year, you're in for a treat if you take a trip along the Causeway Coast. Just be sure to have plenty of memory on your phone, you're going to take plenty of pics!
Slieve Binnian
WOW...totally worth the 747m hike, don't you think? Golden hour here is particularly special, but look at this sunrise above the clouds! It's worth noting, only experienced hikers should tackle this first thing in the morning...better to be safe than sorry!
Dunluce Castle
A dramatic backdrop 24/7, but its perhaps even more breathtaking in the final hours of the day. There are various car parks and lay-bys littered along the route that offer fantastic view points of this historical wonder.
Peace Bridge in Derry/Londonderry
There's something so calming about this sunrise shot of the Peace Bridge in Derry/Londonderry. The still waters and pastel colours are just beautiful.
Whiterocks Beach
Surrounded by sand dunes, limestone cliffs, enchanting caves and bold sea arches, there's so much to see and explore here.
Cave Hill
Another hike...but nothing beats that first glimpse as the busy city of Belfast starts to come alive below.
Carrickfergus Castle
A Norman castle perched on the northern shore of Belfast Lough, yes please! Just look at those colours!
Fair Head
Expect stunning coastal views towards Ballycastle and Rathlin Island and look down on the picturesque Murlough Bay. The cliff edge here is wild and beautiful.
Rathlin Island
Discover this tranquil beauty spot that continues to serve summer goals with dramatic skylines and colourful creations.
Murlough Beach, Newcastle
Stretching from the Mournes to St. John's Point lighthouse is Dundrum Bay, Murlough Beach offers flat sands and whispy dunes. Towering over the beach sits the impressive Mourne Mountains. If you time it just right, you might be able to grab the perfect shot of the sun peeping over the tip of Slieve Donard!
Dunseverick Castle
Does anyone else get Mamma Mia vibes when they look at this pic? Dunseverick Castle has a dark past, involving Viking battles and invasions back in AD 871. Today it offers a show-stopping backdrop for budding photographers out there.
Mussenden Temple
An early start to soak in views like this are oh so worth it! Perched dramatically 120 ft high sits Mussenden Temple, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Simply superb!
Titanic Quarter
Instead of hiking to the top Cave Hill, you can explore the city from another angle, street view! The Titanic Quarter has a host of beautiful backdrops, from the poignant Titanic Museum, to the rippling Belfast Lough and timeless Harland and Wolff cranes.
Fermanagh Lakes
Ancient history, unspoilt shores and dramatic scenery, what more could you want? Fire up a drone (if you've got a licence, of course) or take to the water on a kayak/paddle board. Trying to capture the true beauty of Lough Erne's impressive sunrises and sunsets can be tough...would you give it a go?
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