Geminids Meteor Shower Peaks in December

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Geminids Meteor Shower

The Geminids Meteor Shower gets its name from the constellation from where it seems to originate. This is similar to other meteor showers. However unlike most meteor showers, the source of the Geminids Meteor Shower event is not a comet. This makes it unique. In fact, the dust particles or meteoroids that bombard Earth each year at this time are from a completely different celestial being. Besides the sheer magnitude and reliability of this meteor shower each year, this distinguishing factor is one of my favorite aspects about this event.

So what causes the Geminids Meteor Shower if it is not a comet? The Geminids is a distinctive meteor shower because it is connected to an asteroid called “3200 Phaethon”. There is some dispute amongst astronomers over whether or not 3200 Phaethon is a comet in its final stages of life or simply an asteroid. Every December for hundreds and possibly thousands of years, the 3200 Phaethon has caused the Geminids Meteor Shower. Since the early beginnings of the discovery of this meteor shower, over 150 years ago, data has indicated that it is getting stronger and stronger every year.

In 2010, the Geminids Meteor Shower starts December 7th and continues until December 17th. I’m hoping that his meteor shower will be as good as last year. To optimize your chances of seeing a great display in the sky, aim to start viewing in the early morning hours before dawn. Meteors will appear anywhere in the sky but will emerge from their radiant within the constellation Gemini and so the name, Geminids. In the morning hours after midnight on December 14th, viewers will be treated to the shower’s strongest display under an a first quarter Moon phase with about 50% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated. I would describe Geminids meteors as, “exactly what one would think a meteor shower should look like”, fast with sparkly white streaks of light shooting across the sky. It’s no wonder while viewing this meteor shower over the years that they have garnered the nickname “shooting stars”. A most gloriously fitting description.

Geminids - Where to Look

The Geminids Meteor Shower will peak on December 14th and under clear skies it could produce up to 120 meteors per hour. Find a safe dark place and if you’re in a cold weather area dress warmly. Locate the constellation Gemini and stare at an area around it. Be patient but stay vigilant because when the bursts of meteors spew forth, it seems to happen in spurts. For example, one meteor could be followed by three, and then a gap and then a minute may go by before you may see any more. Even though the Geminids could be the strongest meteor shower of the year, their behavior is still capricious and sporadic. I suggest dedicating a two-hour period to watch after midnight into the morning before dawn. This will help you account for and triumph over the whimsical and unpredictable nature of meteor showers like this one.

I can’t guarantee that you’ll see anything and recommend that you read my glossary on this site as well as the meteor shower viewing page that are both located in the upper right hand corner for more viewing tips. You may want to browse around and study other articles and the comments from other meteor shower enthusiasts just like you. By doing this, you’ll get a sense for how to view meteors and you’ll feel like a pro in no time! If you’ve enjoyed my blog and liked reading my articles, please consider buying a meteor shirt or use the “A Coffee for Meteor Mark” section on the right hand side of the page. I will need some freshly brewed coffee for the morning hours whilst watching Geminid meteors!

Keep your head up!

- Meteor Mark