The Geminid meteor shower — widely regarded as the best meteor display of the year — is peaking this week, offering skywatchers a spectacular celestial show. The shower occurs as Earth passes through debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, producing bright “shooting stars” visible across much of the world. At peak activity, observers under dark skies may see dozens to over 100 meteors per hour, especially in the late evening to early morning hours of December 13–14.
Astronomers recommend finding a location away from city lights, dressing warmly, and allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness for the best experience. While meteors radiate from the area near the Gemini constellation, they can appear anywhere overhead, so a broad view of the sky is ideal. The shower will remain visible until around December 20, but the peak nights offer the most dramatic display.