The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year and it is active during the period from 3 December to 17 December this year. The peak is expected to occur at about 8:30 pm on 14 December, with a Zenith Hourly Rate (ZHR) of 120. The radiant of this shower will rise above the horizon in the northeast at about 7:30 pm and reach the zenith at about 2:30 am during the peak.
As the first quarter Moon will come on that day, the Moon will set at around 11:30 pm, so after then would be a good time to observe the meteor shower until just before sunrise.
There are a number of well known places in the Sai Kung area to get the best view. One is the Tai Hang Tung in the Clear Water Bay Country Park. Although there are some adverse effects from lights in the west of the city, the environment and the field of view are ideal for stargazing. But as it is near the sea, sometimes a large number of vessels are at anchor, and their lights will seriously affect the viewing conditions to the east.
Another good place, also recommended by the Space Museum is Lady MacLehose Holiday Village. The village has an observatory, equipped with Hong Kong’s largest professional astronomical telescope, allowing viewers to visit and understand its operation. Even if you don’t spend the weekend at the resort, the areas around the village are ideal for stargazing.
Adapted from Hong Kong Space Museum Newsletter 4-6 2016
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