ORLANDO, Fla. – The Geminids meteor shower is one of the best celestial events of the year, and it’s expected to peak this upcoming weekend.
When will the Geminids meteor shower be visible?
Every mid-December, the Geminids deliver bright meteors, producing more than 50 meteors per hour (in ideal viewing locations).
The best viewing window will be late night on Dec. 13 into the early morning hours of Dec. 14, especially from 2 a.m. to about 5 a.m., before dawn starts brightening the sky.
The meteors begin to appear shortly after sunset, rising low on the horizon, but the best viewing happens closer to 2 a.m. That’s when the constellation Gemini climbs high overhead. The higher up in the sky it is, the more meteors tend to be visible.
What makes the Geminids meteor shower different?
Unlike most meteor showers, which come from the dusty trails of comets, the Geminids come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon.
This difference is the Geminids meteor shower showcases subtle color variations as they streak across the sky. It’s one of the few showers where you might see flashes of yellow, green or even blue instead of just the usual white.
Will the skies be clear enough to watch the event?
Skies leading up to the peak look generally calm, with mostly clear to partly cloudy nights in the forecast. Unfortunately, the brighter moon phase may wash out some of the faintest streaks early in the night.
What are the best ways to view the Geminids meteor shower?
- Try to escape city lights and give your eyes time to adjust to the dark.
- Avoid looking at your phone during that time.
- You won’t need a telescope or binoculars.
- The best strategy is to lie back, get comfortable and keep your gaze wide.
- Meteors tend to come in waves, so patience is key.