Google pays homage to the Geminid Meteor Shower with new Doodle

Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Google is celebrating the annual Geminid Meteor Shower -- which takes place each December over the Earth's atmosphere -- with a new Doodle.

The meteor shower will arrive on Thursday after 9 p.m. as the asteroid Phaethon's orbit brings it closer to our sun than Mercury.

Google says there will be no need for a telescope or binoculars to enjoy the meteor shower this year which consists of fragments from Phaethon's debris trail. The peak viewing time will be after midnight with as many as 120 meteors per hour disintegrating inside the atmosphere.

The Geminid Meteor Shower is named after the constellation Gemini, where it appears to originate from, while Phaethon is named after the ancient Greek god Apollo's son.

Google's homepage features artwork that chronicles the path of the meteor shower, ending with a light show over a happy looking earth.

"For optimal viewing conditions, get as far away from city lights as possible, face South, and remember to dress warmly as you enjoy one of the greatest shows on-or above-earth," Google said.