Prepare for one of the best meteor showers in years as the Geminid meteor shower is set to reach its peak. The shower began earlier this month and will continue until Christmas Eve, but the peak is expected to occur during the early morning hours of Dec. 14, with as many as 120 meteors per hour possible, according to EarthSky.
Why could this year’s shower be even better?
This year’s timing is great news for stargazers as the December new moon is set to take place just two days before the meteor shower peaks, allowing for excellent visibility.
What is the Geminid meteor shower?
The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most prolific of the year, radiating from the star Castor in the Gemini constellation. What sets this shower apart is that the meteors originate from the trail of an asteroid known as 3200 Phatehon, discovered in the 1980s, according to NASA.
Where and when should I look to see the Geminid meteor shower?
To catch the show, find a dark spot and allow your eyes to adjust for at least 30 minutes. The radiant point of the meteor shower will be at its highest point in the sky at approximately 2 a.m., according to NASA and EarthSky.
