The sudden flash of a shooting star is a delight, and its luster isn't dimmed by the knowledge that meteor showers are merely the visible manifestation of space dust.If there's a clear sky on Sunday, December 13, odds are good for spotting the spectacular meteor shower known as the Geminids. In this issue, astronomer and writer Ken Croswell explains the many mysteries surrounding the Geminids' flamboyant display, including that they have the rare distinction of being a meteor shower spawned by a lowly asteroid, rather than a stylish comet (Page 22).Scientists have known for over 100 years that comets can spark meteor showers, but it wasn't until 1983 that researchers had the technology needed to connect the Geminids to a small asteroid, dubbed Phaethon because it swings so close to the sun. Decades later, scientists are still trying to figure out just how Phaethon provides such a dazzling show.
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