Peak of the Geminid meteor shower expected this weekend
Sky-gazers can look forward to the much-anticipated peak of the annual Geminid meteor shower, set to occur this weekend with the potential for numerous brilliant fireballs lighting up the night sky, reports BritPanorama.
This year’s peak is projected to take place from 10 p.m. ET on Saturday through early Sunday, signalling what is regarded as one of the best meteor showers of the year. The Geminids promise to dazzle spectators with a high rate of meteors, particularly under clear skies, where viewers may witness between 20 to 50 meteors an hour, depending on their location.
As Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, explained, those in suburban areas may enjoy around 20 meteors per hour, while rural observers could see as many as one meteor per minute. This anticipation is heightened by the fact that the moon will be 34% full during the event, offering optimal viewing conditions.
Optimal viewing locations for the Geminids differ for hemispheres: spectators in the Northern Hemisphere should position themselves low in the east around 10 p.m., while Southern Hemisphere watchers should look towards the northern sky around 2 a.m. The meteors visible around 10 p.m. are classified as Earth-grazers, known for their longer display time due to their shallow entry into the atmosphere.
Lunsford noted that these meteors tend to last longer, providing a spectacular show for early observers. The Geminid meteors are particularly notable for the fireballs they produce, which outshine typical stars and planets in the sky. Due to their slower speeds, they are easier to capture on camera, making the event an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts.
For those who cannot watch for meteors on the peak night, the Geminids can actually be seen in the days leading up to and following the main event. However, Lunsford advises stargazers to head out a day or two before the peak to ensure visibility, as the meteor shower’s intensity declines sharply after maximum activity.
What are the Geminids?
The Geminids originate from debris released by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which, due to its close orbit to the sun, sheds particles that create a meteor trail as Earth passes through. Observers can expect the meteors to radiate from the constellation Gemini, which rises in the eastern sky at sunset and remains visible throughout the night until it sets in the west at dawn.
One last meteor shower for 2025
The next meteor shower to follow the Geminids is the Ursids, anticipated to peak on the night of December 21 into the early hours of December 22. This event will coincide with a barely visible waxing crescent moon, ensuring dark skies for optimal viewing conditions.
The Ursids will mark the final opportunity for meteor observations in 2025, occurring during the winter solstice — the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, providing sky-gazers with the perfect backdrop for witnessing celestial phenomena.
