Overview
- Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory predicted a Dec. 14 peak around 5 p.m., with little to no moonlight until about 2 a.m. on Dec. 15.
- Observers reported very bright fireballs, including a striking event over Mount Myōgi in Tomioka, Gunma, at 7:53 p.m. local time.
- Crowds gathered at popular vantage points such as Cape Toi in Miyazaki and Nojimazaki Lighthouse Park in Chiba to watch and photograph the display.
- The Geminids, one of the three major annual meteor showers, are typically the most meteor-rich and arise from dust shed by the asteroid Phaethon.
- Forecasters and reports indicate meteor counts will drop on the night of Dec. 15 compared with the peak night.