Geminids meteor shower peaks tonight: where and when to see shooting stars light up the December skies
Catch the spectacular show around midnight, when the Geminids will leave shimmering trails of vivid yellow, purple, and green in the night sky.
There is a lot going on today. It’s Friday the 13th, Taylor Swift’s birthday, and a great time to look up, especially in the hours leading up to and around midnight when a spectacular Geminids meteor shower will light up the sky. (That’s not to be confused with the mysterious drones flying over New Jersey.)
The Geminids shower will peak December 13, Friday night into Saturday morning, but is forecast to continue until December 20. It’s best viewed from the northern hemisphere but is even somewhat visible in the southern hemisphere.
Here’s what to know.
What is the Geminids meteor shower, anyway?
The Geminids, one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year, are known for their bright vivid colors. The shower can display dozens of shooting stars every hour, painting the sky yellow, purple, and green and leaving behind shimmering trails of light.
The meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon. It first appeared in the mid-1800s and peaks mid-December every year.
NASA’s viewing tips for the Geminids
Under perfect conditions, people can see up to 120 Geminid meteors an hour, according to NASA. But the display will peak during a nearly full moon, which could wash out the light from fainter streaks in the sky, decreasing visibility. This month’s full moon, by the way, is dubbed the “cold moon” and will be at its peak Sunday, December 15, but will appear full for several nights following.
The Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours, and are visible across the globe due to a nearly 24-hour broad maximum. And this shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers, since it starts around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. on a weekend.
NASA offer these tips for viewing:
- Find a viewing spot away from city or street lights.
- Lie flat on your back with your feet facing south. (You may want to bring a blanket, sleeping bag, or lounge chair.)
- Look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors.
- Be patient. The show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.
But if you miss the Geminids, don’t feel too bad: The Quadrantid meteor shower is slated for the night of January 3. That display won’t be quite as amazing, and has a shorter window for viewing, so stay tuned.
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