The Geminid meteor shower—the best of the year—is about to peak and if you’re lucky you could see up to 150 “shooting stars” per hour streak across the night sky.
The only meteor shower produced by an asteroid rather than a comet, the Geminids are not only the most numerous but the most colorful, too, with white, yellow and even green “shooting stars” possible.
Here’s when, where and how to see 2023’s Geminid meteor shower:
Geminids 2023: When To See ‘Shooting Stars’
The Geminid meteor shower is worth catching on its peak night—overnight on Wednesday, December 13 through Thursday, December 14—but you don’t have to stay up particularly late. In fact, according to the American Meteor Society, by 22:00 on December 13 there should be Geminids in the night sky.
Geminids 2023: Where To See ‘Shooting Stars’
Although meteor showers are the result of dust and debris left in the inner solar system by comets (and, in this case, asteroids), they’re caused by streams of material orbiting the sun. The stream in question for the Geminids is in the dircection—but otherwise unconnected to—the constellation Gemini.
Since that constellation is high above the horizon by 22:00, so will its “shooting stars” be. It makes sense to look vaguely in the direction of Gemini—to the southeast—but you don’t have to be specific about it. After all, “shooting stars” can appear anywhere in the night sky.
Geminids 2023: How To See ‘Shooting Stars’
Here are some tips on seeing meteor showers from NASA:
- Get as far away from urban light pollution as possible.
- Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the night sky.
- Dress warmly—it may get very cold.
- Be patient and watch for at least half an hour, preferably on a reclining chair or ground pad.
- Don’t use a telescope or binoculars—they will hugely reduce your chances of seeing “shooting stars.”
- Avoid looking at your cellphone or any other white light—it will destroy your night vision. Use red light only.
Geminids 2024: When Is The Next One?
The next peak of the Geminid meteor shower will occur on December 13-14, 2024.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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Dr. Thomas Hughes is a UK-based scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to readers. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
