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Best Places Near Detroit To Watch The Geminid Meteor Shower

If you look up in the Midwestern sky on the evening of December 13 through the morning on the 14th, expect to be dazzled by shooting stars. The Geminid meteor shower is occurring from nightfall until dawn, and it's a spectacular show to witness. The "Geminid" meteors originate from the constellation Gemini, giving it the name by which it is known. The Earth will be passing through an asteroid belt, allowing stargazers to see the phenomenon without a telescope. Michiganders are in luck as the best viewing is in the Northern Hemisphere. Its peak will around  2 a.m., and these meteors will be easy to see due to their intensity. Grab blankets, heavy coats and pack up the car, because you're going on a winter stargazing journey. Here are the best places to experience the meteor shower in the Detroit area and beyond.

Peach Mountain Observatory

North Terminal Road
Dexter Township, MI 48130
(734) 975-3248
www.outreach.umich.edu/programs/peach-mountain-observatory

Just outside of Ann Arbor in Stinchfield Woods sits Peach Mountain, an astronomical facility operated by the University of Michigan. The location features a 24 inch optical telescope and a range of smaller-sized telescopes. The equipment is operated by both department faculty and members of a local astronomy club. Visitors are welcome to bring and set up their own telescopes in the area before nightfall. Observation occurs in an open field and in a building housing the McMath telescope. Please visit the website for details. Designated events began at dusk and the area closes at 11 pm during the winter months. Admission is free to the public.

Detroit Observatory
University of Michigan
1398 East Ann St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-3440
www.bentley.umich.edu/about/detroit-observatory

The University of Michigan offers viewing nights at the Detroit Observatory. Featuring a 16 inch reflector, the university hosts special viewings and a variety of events. Amateur stargazers are welcome to attend. The observatory will be open for public tours, allowing visitors to check out the facility. Admission to public lectures and planetarium shows is free.

Related: Best Places For Stargazing In Detroit

Acheson Planetarium
Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
(248) 645-3200
www.science.cranbrook.edu 

The Cranbrook Institute of Science features a planetarium and hosts an array of events dedicated to enjoying and learning about astronomy and the sky above us. The facility has a telescope and a cutting-edge projector. Museum admission is required to gain access to the public observatory.

Related: Best Date Night Spots In Detroit

Department Of Natural Science
University of Michigan- Dearborn
Science Learning Research Center, 3rd Floor
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
(313) 583-6566
www.astronomy.umd.umich.edu

The University of Michigan campus in Dearborn hosts public viewing sessions at its observatory. Located on campus in the suburb of Detroit, observing sessions are held in the evenings from 9:00 until 10:30 p.m. Observations are outdoors under the night sky. Visitors can use on-site equipment or set up their own. The Clear Sky Chart is a useful tool that collects data to help stargazers determine when the night sky on campus will have optimal viewing; click here to access the forecast chart.

Abrams Planetarium
Michigan State University
755 Science Road
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 355-4676
www.abramsplanetarium.org

The planetarium at MSU is open to the public for evening viewings during public observation nights. The university hosts special events where attendees are invited to peer through a 24 inch telescope available during designated time-frames. Additional equipment is set up in the parking lot adjacent to the observatory. Experts and volunteers are on site to answer any questions visitors may have. The site also features a sky theater, exhibit space and astronomy shows. The facility is generally open throughout the day. Observation usually begins at 9:00 p.m. and lasts until 11:00 p.m. There is a nominal fee to attend the event.

After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.

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