Last weekend, stargazers across the Northern Hemisphere bundled up against the December chill to witness one of the sky's most reliable spectacles: the Geminids meteor shower. This annual highlight recently reached its peak and, true to form, delivered a dazzling performance with dozens of shooting stars flashing every hour.
Alongside January's Quadrantids and August's Perseids, the Geminids are part of the Northern Hemisphere's 'big three' meteor showers – and here's why they stand out:
- Impressive numbers: At peak, the Geminids can achieve a zenithal hourly rate of around 150, meaning you could see almost three meteors every minute under ideal conditions.
- Global reach: While visible from both hemispheres, the shower appears brighter and more frequent north of the equator, thanks to its orbit slicing the Northern Hemisphere's night sky at a steeper angle.
- Asteroid origins: Unlike most meteor showers born from comets, the Geminids stem from debris shed by the near-Earth asteroid 3200 Phaethon, offering a unique glimpse into an asteroid's dusty trail.
If cold skies or light pollution got in your way this time, don't worry: the next major meteor event is just around the corner. The Quadrantid meteor shower will peak in early January 2026, so mark your calendars and prepare to look up again.
Whether you're a seasoned skywatcher or a curious newcomer, the Geminids prove every December that some cosmic wonders never disappoint. Share your favorite sightings and tips for spotting shooting stars with our global community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
