Geminid Meteors over Xinglong Observatory

Explanation: Where do Geminid meteors come from? In terms of location on the sky, as the featured image composite beautifully demonstrates, the sand-sized bits of rock that create the streaks of the Geminid Meteor Shower appear to flow out from the constellation of Gemini . In terms of parent body, Solar System trajectories point to the asteroid 3200 Phaethon -- but this results in a bit of a mystery since that unusual object appears mostly dormant . Perhaps, 3200 Phaethon undergoes greater dust-liberating events than we know, but even if so, exactly what happens and why remains a riddle . Peaking last week, over 50 meteors including a bright fireball were captured streaking above Xinglong Observatory in China . Since the Geminids of December are one of the most predictable and active meteor showers , investigations into details of its origin are likely to continue.

AAS Conventioneers: APOD Town Meeting Wednesday at 2:15 pm