The Geminid meteor shower, considered the most spectacular meteor shower of the year, is peaking this week, offering eager skywatchers the chance to spot up to 150 meteors per hour under optimal viewing conditions. The shower is active from December 4-17, but activity is expected to peak on the nights of December 13 and 14 when the Earth passes through the densest part of the trail of dust and debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
When and Where to Look for the Geminids
The Geminids are viewable anytime after nightfall, but the best time is generally between midnight and dawn, when the radiant point in the constellation Gemini is highest in the sky. The light from the waning gibbous moon this year may make some meteors harder to spot, but the Geminids are bright and fast-moving, so many will still be visible.
Ideal viewing requires little equipment besides warm clothing, and perhaps a sleeping bag or blanket. Simply find an area with minimal light pollution and look up! Face southeast if possible, towards the constellation Gemini. No telescope or binoculars required.
While the Geminids can be seen from most places, skywatchers across the southern and southwestern U.S. may have the best views due to mostly clear weather forecasts. Other prime viewing locations include Hawaii, Mexico, parts of South America, and western Europe if clouds allow.
| City | Viewing Forecast |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Mostly clear |
| Dallas | Partly cloudy |
| New York | Cloudy |
What Causes the Geminids Meteor Shower?
The Geminids originate from debris left behind by the rocky asteroid 3200 Phaethon as it orbits the Sun. This debris enters Earth’s atmosphere at 22 miles per second, burning up 50 miles above the surface. These burning particles streaking through the sky are what we call meteors, or “shooting stars”.
The Geminids stand out for their consistency year over year, frequency of 120-160 meteors per hour at peak, and bright white color. They owe these traits to 3200 Phaethon’s dense trail of dust particles.
Top Tips for Geminid Viewing
While the Geminids can be seen under both suburban and urban night skies, the best views require minimal light pollution. Seek out locations away from city lights, such as state parks, backyards, or rural roads if safe.
Dress warmly as meteor watching requires standing outside for hours. Bring a blanket or reclining lawn chair, snacks to keep you comfortable, and some good company to pass the time.
Avoid looking at bright light sources before adjusting your eyes to the dark. Give your eyes at least 30 minutes to properly adapt for optimal viewing. And don’t forget to look up frequently as the Geminids can appear anywhere overhead.
What’s Next After the Geminid Meteor Shower?
The Geminids mark the final major meteor shower of 2023. Stargazers will have to wait until the Quadrantids peak in early January 2024 for the next noteworthy display. But even as meteor shower activity subsides for the year, there are still plenty of amazing celestial events ahead.
The December solstice on the 21st brings the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. And on Christmas Day, Jupiter and Venus will treat early risers to an extremely close conjunction low in the southeast sky before sunrise.
So keep looking up in 2023’s final weeks as the stars continue showing off!
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
