A long-awaited celestial event is set to captivate stargazers this weekend as the annual Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak. This remarkable meteor shower is regarded as one of the highlights of the astronomical calendar, with expectations that dozens of meteors, including spectacular fireballs, will blaze across the night sky.
The Geminids are forecasted to peak from 10 p.m. ET on Saturday through the early hours of Sunday, according to EarthSky. This year, sky-watchers are fortunate to have a moon that is just 34% full, allowing for potentially excellent viewing conditions. Under clear skies, those in suburban areas can anticipate spotting up to 20 meteors per hour. In regions where the skies are darker, upwards of 40 to 50 meteors may be visible during peak times, while rural observers could see an impressive one meteor per minute, as noted by Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society.
For optimal viewing, Northern Hemisphere residents are advised to look low in the eastern sky around 10 p.m. local time. In contrast, viewers in the Southern Hemisphere should focus on the northern sky at around 2 a.m. Observers at 10 p.m. can expect to witness “Earth-grazers,” meteors that last noticeably longer than average due to their shallow entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
These iconic meteors are known for producing fireballs, which stand out brightly against the night sky, often appearing more vivid than stars or planets. Their extended duration and colorful displays make them particularly captivating to watch.
Photographers looking to capture the spectacle are in luck, as the Geminids provide ideal conditions for time-exposure shots. Lunsford recommends setting camera shutters to remain open for between 15 to 30 seconds and suggests taking numerous shots throughout the night for the best results.
For those who cannot observe the meteors on Saturday night, there’s no need for concern. The Geminids will also be visible in the nights leading up to and following the peak. However, those hoping to catch the most meteors are advised to go out a day or two before the peak, as the meteor shower’s activity rises gradually before declining sharply after reaching maximum intensity.
While the brightness of the moon might affect visibility in the nights immediately prior to the peak—following a full moon on December 4—stargazers can still catch some meteors if they head outside before the moon rises and position themselves with their backs towards the light.
The Geminids originate from debris released by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This asteroid’s close orbit around the sun generates intense heat, causing it to shed particles that create a trail of meteors along its orbit. Each year, Earth traverses this debris stream, resulting in a dazzling meteor shower.
These celestial wonders appear to emanate from the Gemini constellation, which rises in the east around sunset and reaches its highest point in the sky around 2 a.m. This means that viewers can enjoy the meteors all night long.
Looking forward, the final meteor shower of the year, the Ursids, is also on the horizon, expected to peak on the night of December 21 into the early morning hours of December 22. This event coincides with the winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year, providing perfect conditions for those eager to experience the beauty of the night sky. The moon is predicted to be a barely visible waxing crescent, enhancing the opportunity for clear, dark skies ideal for meteor watching.
