The Geminid meteor shower, one of the most reliable and spectacular displays of the year, reaches peak activity overnight on Saturday, Dec. 13, into the early hours of Sunday, Dec. 14.
While Geminid meteors can be spotted throughout the night, the best time to watch is after midnight through the early hours before dawn, when rates are typically highest.
Geminids will start appearing in the mid-evening, so you don’t need to stay up all night to catch a glimpse of the show. Still, those who venture out in the early morning hours on Dec. 14 will have the best chance of catching brighter, longer meteor trails.
Where should you look to see Geminid meteors?
That said, when looking for any meteor shower, never look directly at the radiant. Meteors near the radiant produce shorter streaks and are harder to see. Instead, look toward the darkest part of the sky, slightly away from the radiant, scanning nearby constellations for longer, more dramatic shooting stars.
For the best experience, remember to wrap up warm and allow your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Then simply sit back, relax and enjoy one of the standout skywatching events of the year. Looking to capture a photograph of the Geminid meteor shower? Check out our how to photograph meteor shower guide for more information.
Editor’s note: If you capture an amazing view of the Geminid meteor shower or any other night sky view that you would like to share with Space.com for a possible story, send images and comments to: spacephotos@space.com.
