Media

HKU’s astronomers interpret the Geminid Meteor Shower
Promote stargazing manners and dark sky conservation

30 Nov 2017

The Geminids, which is considered as one of the best meteors with the best observing conditions this year, will occur from December 4 to 17, 2017.  Information about the peak and locations of observing meteors stream across the sky goes viral on the Internet recently. Nevertheless, the observing conditions of various meteor showers in a year actually depend on a multitude of natural and artificial factors.

To promote the observation of Geminid Meteor Shower and dark sky preservation, the Department of Physics, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has prepared a series of educational infographics at a glance for amateurs and it is available for public access on the Internet. HKU Physics is also launching the “Be a responsible stargazer • Enjoy the meteor shower” Campaign to encourage the adoption of proper stargazing manners and the promotion of light pollution reduction. 

Dr Jason Pun Chun-shing and Dr So Chu-wing, two astronomers from the HKU Physics Department will meet the media next Monday to explain the factors affecting meteor shower observation, introduce the education pack and share the “tips” for observation.

Details of the media briefing are as follows:
Date: December 4, 2017 (next Monday)
Time: 11:00 to 12:30
Venue: Room 112, 1/F, Knowles Building, HKU

Spokespersons:
Dr Jason Pun Chun-shing, astronomer in HKU Physics Department and the Principle Investigator of the Hong Kong Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network
Dr So Chu-wing, astronomer in HKU Physics Department and Project Manager of the Hong Kong Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network

Media enquiry:
Ms Rhea Leung, Communication and Public Affairs Office (tel: 2857 8555/ 9022 7446; email: rhea.leung@hku.hk);
Ms Cindy Chan, Faculty of Science (tel: 3917 5286/ 6703 0212; email: cindycst@hku.hk).