The Geminid Meteor Shower Arrives 13 December!
Watching the Geminids - Here's the where and when of watching December's shooting stars!
The Geminid meteor shower is coming 13 December, and planets are lining up — literally — for this magnificent display!
The Geminid meteor shower will be visible on the night of 13 December, providing skygazers a chance to witness one of the year’s most dazzling displays of shooting stars.
In addition, this performance will be joined by dazzling contributions from a trio of planets.
How to View the Geminid Meteor Shower: The Video! Video credit: The Cosmic Companion.
Three days later, on 13 December, the Geminid meteor shower —often one of the best annual displays of shooting stars, will delight skygazers throughout the northern hemisphere.
The Geminid meteor shower can produce up to 100 or more shooting stars per hour in its best years. Unfortunately, the Moon will be shining fairly brightly this year while the Geminid meteor shower is taking place. Still, skygazers could see up to 30 or 40 meteors per hour under really dark skies.
The Dark Side Will Come to You
Skygazers should head outside (preferably away from city lights) and look to the eastern sky. The shooting stars of the Geminid meteor shower will be centered (roughly) around the constellation Gemini.
While most meteor showers are best seen after midnight, the Geminids can put on a dazzling display earlier in the evening, making these events perfect for younger viewers.
If you are coming from indoors, remember to give your eyes 15–20 minutes to acclimate to the darkness. Allowing this time will make spotting these shooting stars far easier over time.
No special equipment is necessary — meteor showers are best seen by human eyes alone. Remember to bring a comfortable chair, snacks, and find a dark spot, with a clear view to the east.
Keep in mind this is December, and even in warm climates, the evening could get cold. So, bundle up, bring a canteen of your favorite beverage, a warm blanket, and enjoy the Geminids!
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Clear skies, and Happy Holidays!
— James
