Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks, Offering Spectacular Sky Show
Originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, the shower is intensifying each year and is visible from November 19 through December 24.
- The Geminid meteor shower, caused by the debris of asteroid 3200 Phaethon, peaked on Thursday, December 14, with around 150 meteors visible per hour.
- The Geminid meteor shower is unique as it originates from an asteroid, unlike most meteor showers that are formed by comet debris.
- The Geminid meteor shower is visible every year around the second week of December, with visibility beginning around November 19 and lasting through December 24.
- The best time to watch the shower is between midnight and 2am local time, in any time zone.
- Scientists have said the Geminid shower may be intensifying each year, especially in comparison to the 10-20 meteors per hour that were recorded in the mid-1800s.