Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks, Offering a Dazzling Night Sky Display

Despite interference from a nearly full moon, the annual Geminid meteor shower remains a highlight for stargazers worldwide through December 21.

The Geminid meteor shower, known for its bright and colorful meteors, peaked between December 13 and 14, with visibility continuing until December 21.
This meteor shower originates from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, making it unique compared to most showers, which come from comets.
Under perfect conditions, up to 120 meteors per hour can be observed, but the bright moonlight this year has reduced visibility to around 15 meteors per hour at peak times.
Optimal viewing requires dark, clear skies away from light pollution, and the best times are between midnight and pre-dawn hours.
Geminid meteors are noted for their multi-colored streaks caused by various metals like sodium and calcium burning up in Earth's atmosphere.