Don’t Miss the Geminid Meteor Shower Peak – Best Viewing Tips and Dates!

Experience the magic of the Geminid meteor shower this year! The Geminids, one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, will peak on Friday night. Despite potential light interference from the moon, there is still an excellent chance to witness some brilliant shooting stars.

Here’s everything you need to know about viewing one of the most incredible meteor showers of the year.

What are the Geminids?

The Geminid meteor shower occurs annually in December, spanning from Dec. 2 to Dec. 21, with its peak on the night of Dec. 13 into the early morning of Dec. 14, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS).

What makes the Geminids unique is that they originate from an asteroid, not a comet like most meteor showers. As the Earth crosses the path of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon on its orbit around the sun, fragments of the asteroid burn up in our atmosphere, creating meteors, or shooting stars. The Geminids are typically one of the most impressive meteor showers of the year, producing rates of up to 150 meteors per hour.

Where can you see the Geminid meteor shower?

The Geminids are visible worldwide, but they are best seen from the northern hemisphere. The meteors appear all over the sky but seem to radiate from the constellation Gemini, which is where the meteor shower gets its name.

How can you see the Geminid meteor shower?

The best advice for viewing any meteor shower is to get as far away from light pollution as possible. Once you’ve found a dark location, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 15 to 20 minutes (30 is even better), and look up. No special equipment is needed; the best view of the night sky is best achieved with the naked eye.

Patience is key this year, as only the brightest meteors will be able to compete with the moonlight. However, because the Geminids are typically quite bright, you still have a good chance of seeing shooting stars tonight.

When is the next meteor shower?

Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long for the next meteor shower. The Ursids, according to AMS, will peak on the night of Dec. 22 into the early morning of Dec. 23, though they’re a far less impressive display than the Geminids. Expect rates of around 10 meteors per hour.