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Shooting stars light up night sky

The annual Geminid meteor shower will peak on Sunday night.

Tähtitaivas
Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through a trail of debris left by a comet. Image: Juho Holmi / Creative Commons
  • Yle News

Between the night of December 13-14 stargazers may catch a glimpse of the Geminid for the most plentiful display of shooting stars this year, according to Finland’s amateur astronomy association, Ursa.

Observers may see up to 70 shooting stars an hour, as the Geminid, the third and final of the year's major meteor showers, lights up the night sky.

The weather may, however, not cooperate, as the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), said Sunday night was likely to be overcast across Finland, which would impair visibility.

The Geminid will seem to radiate from the direction of the Gemini constellation.

Following Sunday’s celestial display enthusiasts will still have a chance to glimpse the Ursid meteor shower, which is active each year from 17-26 December. It is set to peak on 22 December with viewers able to see around five to ten meteors every hour.