Get Ready for the Most Reliable Meteor Shower of the Year
The night sky is about to put on a show, and you won’t want to miss it! This Friday, the Geminid meteor shower will reach its peak, dazzling stargazers around the world with up to 150 meteors per hour.
“The Geminids are active from December 4 to 20 each year, and during their peak, they consistently offer a spectacular display,” said Wang Kechao from the Purple Mountain Observatory at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “It’s often called ‘the most reliable meteor shower’ because it never disappoints astronomy enthusiasts.”
Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids come from an asteroid named 3200 Phaethon. When debris from this asteroid enters Earth’s atmosphere, it burns up, creating brilliant streaks of light across the sky—what we commonly call shooting stars.
Best Viewing Tips
- Find a spot away from city lights and pollution.
- Plan to watch after midnight until the early hours before dawn.
- Allow your eyes around 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
- Be patient and enjoy the night sky!
No special equipment is needed—just look up and enjoy the celestial spectacle.
What’s Next?
If you miss the Geminids or want more stargazing, the Ursid meteor shower will peak around December 22. Mark your calendars for another chance to catch shooting stars!
Reference(s):
Save the date! Spectacular Geminid meteor shower to light up the sky
cgtn.com
