When and Where to See the Geminid Meteor Shower in Oklahoma

Technically, we're in the middle of a month-long meteor shower here on Earth, but the prime time for Oklahoma to spot this wonder of the universe is coming up quick.

The best days to spot this event is predicted to be on December 13th and 14th soon after the sun goes down.

@museumofscience Over 100 shooting stars per hour are set to dazzle the night sky globally, marking the grand arrival of the Geminid Meteor Shower! Peaking on December 13th and 14th, this annual event is caused by Earth passing through the debris trail left by asteroid 3200 Phaethon. A waxing crescent moon on the peak nights ensures optimal darkness for sky gazers to enjoy the show! #Space #Meteor #Asteroid #Astronomy #MeteorShower #SkyGazing ♬ original sound - Museum of Science

Specifically, according to EarthSky.org, the best opportunity we'll have to see something spectacular is around 7:30 PM on the 14th, but the shower will be around through Christmas Eve.

Where is the best place to see them?

Here's the cool thing, you should be able to see them from your own backyard... it just won't be as vibrant. This is especially true if you live in one of the major population centers like the OKC and Tulsa metro. Light pollution just works out like that.

To really see the sky light up, you want to seek out less populated areas of Oklahoma. I can remember watching one of these meteor showers sitting on a tractor at the family farm when I was a teen. It was ten miles or so north of Hollis, way out in the middle of nowhere where the Milky Way shines bright all summer long anyway.

I'd assume you could find a rural place to catch the show yourself, especially as you head to the Western side of the state.

If you really want to go all-out, the panhandle is where the best stargazing is found in the Sooner State. While there are several state parks out there to see the heavens from, Black Mesa is the king of the hill in this case.

@billyengel Oklahoma views👌 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #oklahoma #blackmesa ♬ Dreams (2004 Remaster) - Fleetwood Mac

'The Mesa' is far from anywhere, pitch black on a moonless night, and a prime spot for professionals and amateurs alike to grab some stellar astrological views... Just don't get caught speeding out there. They take that stuff seriously in No Man's Land.

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Keep in mind that this isn't every speed trap in Oklahoma. 55% of all Oklahoma towns generate at least 10% of their municipal revenue... These are just the overachievers.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

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Looking for someplace special to spend the holidays? The Sooner State has you covered with some of the best towns and cities to get into the Christmas spirit. If you've ever wanted to visit a place that feels like it came out of a Hallmark movie you're in luck. Check out these ten Oklahoma Hallmark holiday hometowns to experience the small-town charm and friendliness of some of Oklahoma's best-known holiday destinations. Each has its own unique traditions and holiday events that will surely get you into the spirit of the season. From amazing lights and displays to performances and festive family fun you'll find in the Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

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Don't shoot the messenger. I'm not calling these places snobby, the internet is. A recent report by Roadsnacks.net identified 10 of the snobbiest towns and cities in Oklahoma. The methodology behind the study used median household incomes, the percentage of the population with college educations, and median home prices in determining just how snobby a town or city is. Most would agree with the results below. Unless you live in one of these places, then you may disagree. Also, keep in mind this list was all done in good fun. Sure there's some truth to the findings but like most places, you'll find both good and bad. Keep scrolling to check out Oklahoma's top 10 snobbiest towns and cities to see if your hometown made the list.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

Oklahoma's Ten Poorest Cities and Towns

While it's a list no municipality aspires to be on, there's one in every state across America. Whether it's due to limited economic opportunities, the failing popularity of once-booming towns, or a generation of youth running away from their hometowns, but nine out of the ten poorest communities exist on the east side of I-35.

Based on the stats of those living at or below the state poverty level, median household incomes, and unemployment, here are the poorest communities in Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Source: When and Where to See the December Geminid Meteor Shower in Oklahoma

Categories: Oklahoma News, Science