This weekend, skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere can catch the dazzling Geminid meteor shower at its annual peak. Under mid-December’s clear, crisp skies, the show can deliver up to 150 meteors per hour for lucky observers.
Origin: An Asteroid Show
Unlike most meteor showers from comets, the Geminids originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon—a near-Earth object whose orbit crosses Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. When our planet passes through Phaethon’s debris trail, the particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating the shooting stars we see.
Stargazing Tips
- Head to a dark spot away from city lights.
- Give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust to the dark.
- Dress warmly and bring a reclining chair or blanket.
- Scan the widest possible sky—meteors can appear anywhere overhead.
Next Up: The Quadrantids
After the Geminids, mark your calendar for the Quadrantid meteor shower, which will peak the night of January 3 into early January 4, 2026. Until then, enjoy the spectacular mid-December sky show!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
