How to Watch the Spectacular Geminids, One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year

The sky is about to put on its biggest show of the season… and trust me, you’re gonna want front-row seats!

Every December, just when the year starts winding down and the holiday madness begins, the cosmos delivers even more sparkle as the Geminids sweep across the sky.

Known as one of the brightest and most reliable celestial events of the year, the Geminids meteor shower originates from an asteroid (3200 Phaethon), which takes 1.4 years to orbit the Sun.

Still, you’re probably wondering: what exactly is a meteor shower, and why does it light up the sky this way?

According to NASA, meteors are a result of leftover comet particles and asteroids. These objects leave dusty trails behind as they come around the Sun, so when Earth passes through the debris each year, those misty bits collide with our atmosphere and disintegrate, creating shimmery streaks in the sky.

Enter the Geminids meteor shower, a starry spectacle where stargazers could witness up to 120 meteors per hour, per NASA. In addition to being incredibly bright and swift, these meteors tend to be yellow in color.

While some meteor showers are hit or miss, the Geminids rarely disappoint. They’re sparkly, dramatic and famously photogenic, making them a favorite among seasoned skywatchers and beginners alike.

Here’s everything you need to know about this month’s celestial event.

What is the Geminids meteor shower?

Known for its bright and colorful display, the Geminids meteor shower is made up of the dusty debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

According to NASA, it became known in the mid-1800s, with only 10 to 20 meteors seen per hour. However, this highly anticipated event has grown into one of the biggest meteor showers of the year, reaching 120 meteors at its peak under dark skies.

When does the Geminids meteor shower peak?

The Geminids will peak on the night of Dec. 13 into the early hours of Dec. 14, when up to 120 meteors per hour may be visible under dark skies.

Keep in mind that the meteor shower is active between Dec. 4 and 17, with Dec. 13 and 14 as its peak.

How to watch the Geminids meteor shower?

Did you know that the Geminids can be viewed nearly everywhere on Earth? You don’t even need a telescope!

The key is to find the darkest spot you can, and give your eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust. Be patient and stay warm. You’ll also want to avoid smartphone screens as they’ll quickly mess with your night vision.

For the best viewing, try between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time.

What is the next meteor shower after Geminids?

After the Geminids, the next meteor shower will occur during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, known as the Ursids.

According to EarthSky, the Ursids will shimmer across the sky between Dec. 13 and 24, so you may even see some intermingling with the Geminids. Its peak, however, is set to occur on Dec. 22, 2025.