Spectacular Geminid Meteor Shower Set to Peak This Weekend!

The annual Geminid meteor shower, known for its vibrant and colorful shooting stars, is set to peak this weekend on December 14 and 15. The Geminids, which are active each December, are considered one of the best meteor showers of the year due to their high rates of meteors and bright fireballs.

To watch the Geminid meteor shower, find a location with a clear and dark sky away from city lights. The best time to view the meteor shower is during the darkest hours before dawn. Lie flat on your back and look up at the sky with a wide-angle view.

The radiant, or the point in the sky where the meteor shower appears to originate from, will be in the constellation Gemini. However, meteors from the Geminid shower can be seen in all parts of the sky.

The Geminids are named after the constellation Gemini because the meteors appear to radiate from that constellation. The shower is caused by debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which was discovered in 1982.

Unlike other meteor showers, which are mostly made up of debris from comets, the Geminids are made up of debris from an asteroid. This makes them unique among meteor showers and contributes to their brightness.

During the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, stargazers can expect to see up to 120 meteors per hour. The meteors are known for their vibrant colors, including shades of yellow, green, blue, and red.

The Geminid meteor shower is a great opportunity for stargazers to see shooting stars in action. So be sure to head outside this weekend to catch a glimpse of the Geminids.