The Geminids last this year from around November 19th through December 24th. It’s expected to peak on December 13th and 14th. According to NASA, this shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers since this shower starts earlier in the evening.
- Moon phase: The Geminids is expected to peak right after the New Moon, meaning that our closest neighbor won’t be a problem for viewing. Perfect timing.
- Sky location: The Geminids will seem to come from the constellation Gemini. In fact, this is how the Geminids got their name, from the constellation they seem to emanate from. (According to NASA, the constellation for which a meteor shower is named only serves to aid viewers in determining which shower they are viewing on a given night. The constellation is not the source of the meteors.)
- How many meteors: At its peak, you can expect to see up to 120 meteors per hour.
- When to watch: The night of December 13th will be the best time to see the meteors but watching on the night of December 14 could also be a great experience. The meteor shower will be active all night but experts say the best viewing time is around 10pm.
- Where do they come from: The Geminids are unique in that the debris causing the meteor shower comes from an asteroid as opposed to a comet. The asteroid is called 3200 Phaethon.
- Where to observe: Find a dark spot or a park and get yourself a chair, a hot cup of coffee (or something a bit, ahem, stronger), and enjoy. NASA says to lie flat on your back with your feet facing south and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 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.
- Equipment needed: Bring warm clothes, the aforementioned hot drink, and a reclining chair. You don’t need a telescope or binoculars as you want to take in the widest view of the sky possible.