The Geminid meteor shower, the most prolific meteor shower of the year, is set to light up the night sky overnight on Friday and Saturday (Dec. 13 and 14). Unlike other meteor showers that are caused by comets, the Geminids are known to be caused by an asteroid, making them a unique celestial event that astronomers eagerly anticipate.
The peak night of the Geminid meteor shower this year will coincide with the appearance of a near-full moon, the “Cold Moon,” on Sunday, Dec. 15. This means that the moon will already be shining brightly in the sky as the sun sets on Dec. 13, potentially reducing the visibility of shooting stars during the peak hours. Despite this lunar interference, skywatchers are encouraged to head outside around midnight to catch a glimpse of this spectacular event.
For the best viewing experience, experts recommend finding a location far away from artificial lights, positioning yourself with your back to the moon, and allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Meteor showers are best observed with the naked eye, so there’s no need for binoculars or telescopes. Due to the bright glow of the moon, extensive travel for this particular shower is not recommended.
The Geminids, known for their brightness and vibrant colors, are expected to be yellow but may also appear white and green, according to NASA and the American Meteor Society. These stunning meteors are caused by an asteroid named 3200 Phaethon, which Earth crosses paths with every December. Debris from the asteroid heats up as it enters Earth’s atmosphere, creating the dazzling display of shooting stars that we see during the shower.
Recent research has shed light on the unique properties of asteroid 3200 Phaethon, revealing that it releases sodium gas from its minerals and experiences enough pressure from carbon dioxide and water vapor to lift dust particles from its surface, forming a comet-like tail. This unusual behavior sets 3200 Phaethon apart from other asteroids, making the Geminid meteor shower a truly special astronomical event.
As the Geminids reach their peak, another meteor shower, the Ursids, will also be kicking off. This shower, which appears to originate from Ursa Major, will run from Dec. 13 to Dec. 24, peaking on the nights of Dec. 21 and 22. With the potential to see 5-10 shooting stars in darker night skies, the Ursids offer skywatchers one last chance to marvel at a meteor shower before the year comes to a close.
Jamie Carter, a seasoned journalist and astronomy enthusiast, shares his expertise on celestial events like the Geminid meteor shower. Based in Cardiff, U.K., Jamie is a regular contributor to Live Science, Space.com, TechRadar.com, Forbes Science, BBC Wildlife magazine, and Scientific American. With a passion for stargazing and a wealth of knowledge on the natural world, Jamie’s insights on astronomy inspire readers to look up and appreciate the wonders of the cosmos.