Focus Night: Geminids Meteor Shower

Move over, summer Perseids. December’s Geminid shower is considered the best and most reliable meteor shower of the year. Under dark clear skies, counts can reach 50-100 per hour or more on peak night. But this is only one of many factors that set these meteors apart from all other showers. Their speed and composition create meteors that flare low in the atmosphere, are easier to spot, and leave bright, often yellow, trails. 

This is one of the very few showers visible all night long. What causes this dazzling display and why does it occur at this time of year? Come learn about these unique meteors, their unusual history, and their mysterious origin. 

This Focus Night equips you for a Geminid ”peak” experience. Unlike planets that can hang around for months, a meteor shower is only visible over a short period of time. Highest counts will occur later in the night and into the early morning hours Dec 12th-14th. You will learn about different kinds of showers, how best to view them, and how to understand what you are seeing. You’ll also discover factors that influence meteor counts and how to optimize your viewing tonight and tomorrow. 

Plan to be in the classroom by 6:55PM to ensure you have a good seat. Program begins promptly at 7:00PM . Sales are limited to 40 guests so we can provide a more personal experience. Allow generous time to arrive and park. 

Please visit https://rfo.simpletix.com for important information and to buy tickets. You MUST have a ticket to attend this event; tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets are $50 per adult, $45 for seniors (62+) and students, and $40 for members. Cost includes the Sugarloaf Ridge State Park parking fee. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for future events.

RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization. All proceeds go toward maintaining this beloved Sonoma County institution.