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Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Dec. 13–14 Under Moon-Free Evening Skies

A late-rising crescent moon leaves hours of darkness for a bright, colorful display from debris shed by asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

Overview

  • Under clear, very dark skies, observers could see roughly 100–150 meteors per hour, with NASA estimating up to about 120 at peak.
  • Activity builds by 9–10 p.m. local time as Gemini rises, with the richest rates from around midnight into the pre-dawn hours before the crescent moon appears.
  • The display is best in the Northern Hemisphere but visible worldwide, with Australian viewers getting a moon-free window until after about 2 a.m. and Indian observers advised to seek dark, rural sites.
  • Geminid meteors are relatively slow and often appear yellow, green or red, and the shower is known for occasional bright fireballs.
  • For best results, travel away from city lights, lie back to take in a wide view, avoid phone screens, and allow 15–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt rather than staring at the radiant.