Meteor Shower Splendor, Vast Starry Sky—BYD’s Gemini Meteor Shower Chasing Journey
Lijiang Astronomical Journey: Exploring the Realm of Romance
This December, BYD’s Premium Service led a group of BYD owners on an extraordinary adventure to Tai’an Township, Yulong County, Lijiang City, Yunnan, for the “Meteor Shower Splendor, Vast Starry Sky” Gemini meteor shower chasing experience. The event featured special guest Dr. Fan Yufeng, Chief Engineer of the Yunnan Observatories Lijiang Station under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who joined participants in unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.
A Night of Geminids: Where Lijiang Meets the Stars
Nestled at the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, where the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meets the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Lijiang is a place where ancient Naxi civilization thrives alongside cultural imprints of the historic Tea Horse Road. Here, one can almost hear the echoes of caravan bells lingering over the city.
The destination for this celestial adventure was the Yulong Gemini Astronomical Estate, situated in the Gaomeigu area at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Known for its exceptional atmospheric transparency, excellent visibility, minimal light extinction, and high probability of clear nights, this location has become a premier “star-chasing” destination for astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.
Gaomeigu Nights: Astronomical Estate and Meteor Wonders
Following navigation guidance under a canopy of stars, participants drove to the Gemini Astronomical Estate. Far from urban noise and light pollution, they immersed themselves in nature’s tranquility. Despite the high altitude and significant temperature variations, the thoughtful BYD Premium Service team had reminded everyone to bring warm clothing in advance and provided additional down jackets on-site for extra comfort.
The well-equipped observation site offered perfect conditions for watching the Gemini meteor shower, allowing participants to fully experience the awe and emotion of witnessing celestial fireworks.
Digital Stargazing: Technology Meets Tradition
The Gemini meteor shower, active annually between December 4th and 17th, radiates from near the constellation Gemini and can produce up to 150 meteors per hour at its peak. Along with the Quadrantids and Perseids, it forms the trio of major meteor showers visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
Dr. Fan Yufeng provided professional insights during the event, sharing decades of astronomical knowledge and telescope operation techniques during the “zero-distance” astronomy contact session. Special guest instructor Fang Zhou guided participants through digital observation and photography practices, enabling everyone to capture stunning astrophotography moments with professional techniques.
Hands-On Cosmic Exploration
Dr. Fan’s engaging interactive session helped participants understand the formation and cyclical nature of the Gemini meteor shower in entirely new ways, setting the stage for the practical observation experience.
The centerpiece of the observation was a massive 2.4-meter aperture telescope standing 8 meters tall and weighing approximately 40 tons. Featuring an alt-azimuth mount with hydraulic bearing support and backlash-free motor drive, the telescope boasts a highly precise tracking control system capable of capturing detailed celestial phenomena.
Under the guidance of Fang Zhou, Vice Director of the Lijiang Astronomical Association, participants used professional astronomical instruments to observe the meteor shower, experiencing both the magical beauty of the starry sky and the wonders of scientific discovery.
Memories Among the Stars
Despite temperatures dropping to -5°C at the 3,200-meter altitude, participants remained enthusiastic throughout the night, capturing spectacular images and creating lasting memories under the expert guidance of both instructors.
As the observation session concluded, participants received special “Gemini Constellation Art Prints” as souvenirs—a thoughtful gesture that perfectly captured the event’s theme and demonstrated BYD’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for their community.
The “Meteor Shower Splendor, Vast Starry Sky” event delivered rich educational content, exciting interactive sessions, and authentic stargazing experiences. BYD Premium Service continues to embody its brand philosophy of “Because of a car, enjoy a premium life,” consistently striving to provide exceptional service experiences for all vehicle owners.
