The Geminid Meteor Shower

With what may turn out to be the year's best meteor shower, the Geminids arrive on the nights of December 13 and 14. The shower emanates from the constellation Gemini which is nearly overhead at midnight this time of year. You don't need to face Gemini, though. In fact, the meteors that are away from that constellation give longer streakes. The ones seen in Gemini are falling more or less directly at you, and, therefore, appear relatively short.

Go outside after 9 pm on December 13 or 14. The best time to view them is after 1 am on the 14th. Even though there may be up to 120 per hour, an observer is much more likely to see 1/3 that number. That higher figure includes the ones you don't see behind you and the fainter meteors which are difficult to spot.

Dress warmly and good luck!

Such is our view from Earth...