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Winter Camping and Meteor Showers in Idaho

| Updated Dec 7, 2019

Winter camping can be a great experience.  We recently moved to Idaho and there are 8 or more destinations within the state that have winter camping opportunities.  Check out All Stays and also Reserve America for information and reservations.

The skies of Idaho will light up soon with the upcoming Meteor showers that will shower the skies December 13 – 14th.

One Of The Biggest Meteor Showers Of The Year Will Be Visible In Idaho In December

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If you happen to be in Idaho mid December you may have the opportunity to see one of the most highly anticipated meteor showers of the year… The Geminid meteor shower takes place every year in December, and it’s often regarded as one of the year’s best astronomical events. Although a nearly full moon is expected to slightly impact visibility for the meteor shower this year, you’ll still be able to get a great view of some falling meteors here in Idaho.

Widely regarded among astronomy enthusiasts as the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids always boast a fantastic turnout of brilliant shooting stars. Idaho is a great place to view the Geminids, so definitely don't miss out on this show-stopping experience this year! This year, the Geminids' visibility will be at its peak on the evening of December 13 and 14. The moon will be 96% full on this night, but don't let that deter you. You'll still be able to spot plenty of breathtaking meteors.

The Geminid meteor shower is well-loved in the stargazing community because of its characteristically brightly-colored meteors. Additionally, the meteors' medium-slow velocity makes them easier to spot with nothing but your naked eye. Interestingly, the Geminid meteors are actually debris that was created by “Object 3200 Phaethon” when it collided with another object. First observed in 1862, this particular meteor shower is believed to intensify every year, so you can bet this year's will be stronger than ever.

In general, around 120-160 Geminid meteors can be seen in a single hour during the shower—under optimal conditions, of course. Best viewing time is typically around 2:00 a.m. local time, but there's really no “bad” time to get out there and take a look.

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To view this famous shower under the best conditions, head out to an area that's far away from any sort of artificial light. Luckily for us, those kinds of spots are easily found here in Idaho.  Winter nights can be freezing cold here, but seeing a sky filled with vibrant meteors is so worth it! Dress warm for the freezing weather!

Note:  If you are looking for other tips, food pairings or over 105 recipes that are designed for those who travel in an RV, check out:          My cookbook Small Kitchen Big Flavors! is available at a great Introductory Price on Ebay and my blog site at : http:/smallkitchenbigflavorsblog.wordpress.com

Chef MJ

 

Mike Wendland

Published on 2019-12-07

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

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