A “spectacular” meteor shower is predicted to light up the night sky this weekend. It is predicted that the Geminid shower, known as a “meteor storm” due to its intensity, will peak between Saturday and Sunday.
Producing more than 150 meteors per hour at its peak, the ‘Geminids’ are considered one of the best showers of the year by stargazers – and are expected to peak over the next 48 hours.
The Geminids will continue through December 21, although the meteor shower will peak between December 13 and December 14, with up to 120 meteors per hour seen, according to the American Meteor Shower. The Geminids meteor shower, which peaks each year in mid-December, is considered one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.
Here are quick facts about the Geminids meteor shower:
- Origin: 3200 Phaethon (an asteroid or a possible “rock comet”)
- Radiant: Constellation Gemini
- Active period: November 19 – December 24, 2023 (peak on December 14)
- Peak Activity Meteor Count: About 120 meteors per hour
- Meteor velocity: 79,000 miles per hour (127,000 kilometers per hour) or 22 miles per second (35 kilometers per second)
The Geminids meteor shower, which peaks each year in mid-December, is considered one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers. The Geminids didn’t start out that way. The Geminids first became visible in the mid-1800s. However, the first shower was not notable, with only 10 to 20 meteors per hour observed. Since that time, the Geminids have become one of the major meteor showers of the year. During its peak, up to 120 Geminid meteors can be seen per hour under ideal conditions. The Geminids are bright and fast meteors and are yellow in color.
How to see the Geminids meteor shower peak
according to NASA, The Geminids are best seen during the night and pre-dawn hours and are visible around the world due to their wide maximum range of approximately 24 hours. This shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers as the shower begins around 9 or 10 p.m. To view the Geminids, find an area far enough from city lights or street lights. Prepare for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie on your back with your feet facing south and look up, looking towards the sky as much as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adjust and you will start seeing meteors. Be patient—the show runs until the morning, so you’ll have plenty of time to get a peek.
