One of the most dependable and magnificent celestial phenomena of the year, the Geminid meteor shower, peaks overnight on December 13–14. According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), under perfect circumstances, skywatchers might witness up to 150 meteors per hour when Earth travels through the densest portion of the debris stream.
The Geminids are thought to be the strongest annual meteor shower and are clearly visible to the unaided eye from dark settings. They often produce striking fireballs and brilliant, colorful shooting stars.
The Geminid meteor shower: what produces it?
When minuscule space particles strike Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up in a burst of light, creating shooting stars. Larger particles may produce tremendous fireballs brighter than Venus, while smaller ones as small as a grain of sand can produce beautiful streaks.
The Geminids are unique in that they emanate from 3200 Phaethon, an asteroid-like object often referred to as a “comet-asteroid hybrid,” rather than a comet.
When is the peak of the Geminid meteor shower?
Peak evening: December 13–14, 2025
Peak time anticipated: around 3:00 UTC on December 14 (9:00 pm CST on December 13).
The best window for viewing is late from night to daybreak.
Period of overall activity: November 19–December 24
With the greatest rates anticipated after midnight and before dawn, meteor activity rises as the night goes on.
Where in the sky do Geminid meteors appear?
Geminid meteors seem to emanate from the brilliant star Castor in the constellation Gemini. After sunset, Gemini rises in the eastern to northeastern sky and continues to ascend as the night wears on.
Finding the constellation is simple:
-Northeast of Orion
-Between Cancer and Taurus
-Identified by the brilliant twin stars Pollux and Castor
Beginners will find orienting simpler if Jupiter, the brightest star-like object in the sky from late evening till morning, is close to the radiant.
Seeing advice
-Select a remote, dark area
-Scan the eastern part of the sky while lying back.
-Give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adapt.
-No binoculars or telescope are required.
-Wear warm clothing
