Observers in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres will have the opportunity to witness this celestial phenomenon caused by debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
With up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions, the Geminids are known for their brilliance and vibrant colors. Unfortunately, due to the nearly full moon, the numbers will likely fall to 15 per hour this year.
“The Geminids, deriving from an asteroid rather than a comet, must include rock-sized pieces, which as they burn up in the atmosphere are often bright and do not leave trails,” astronomer and author Guy Ottewell said.
Peak on December 13 to 14
The Geminids are known for their brilliance and vibrant colors with up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions.
Viewing conditions will be hindered by a nearly full moon (98% illumination), which will obscure dimmer meteors. Observers should focus on the brightest meteors, visible from mid-evening through dawn.
The best observation times are around 02:00 UTC when the radiant in the constellation Gemini is at its highest point in the sky. A dark-sky location away from city lights is essential for optimal viewing.
The Geminids can produce up to 120 meteors per hour under dark conditions without moonlight. Due to the moonlight this year, the visible count may be lower.
The meteors appear to emanate from Gemini, near the star Castor but can be observed across the entire sky.
Duration and activity
The Geminid meteor shower is active from November 19 to December 24, with a noticeable increase in activity from December 7 onward. The meteors are visible in both hemispheres, even though the Northern Hemisphere offers better vantage points.
They travel at a speed of approximately 35 km/s (22 miles/s) and are known for their vibrant colors, including white, yellow, green, and red, caused by trace metals within the debris.
The shower originates from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, a rocky object with a 524-day orbit that brings it close to the Sun and Earth. The Geminids are asteroid-derived, unlike most meteor showers which stem from cometary debris.
How to watch?
- Choose a dark location away from city lights. Look toward the constellation Gemini, but keep your eyes scanning the entire sky.
- The best time to watch is from midnight to dawn, with activity peaking at 02:00 UTC.
- Dress warmly and bring a reclining chair or blanket for comfort. Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
- Position yourself where buildings or natural obstructions block the moon to minimize interference.
“The Geminids are the star of the show for December. All you have to do is kick back, relax, take your time, and you’re gonna look toward the constellation Gemini,” Kat Troche, NASA Solar System ambassador said.
Astrophotography tips
Photographing meteors during the moonlit peak requires specific techniques:
- Use ISO settings around 800 to 1600 with a fast wide-field lens (18 mm focal length recommended).
- Take continuous exposures of 10 to 30 seconds to capture meteor trails.
- Point the camera away from the moon to reduce overexposure.
Live observations
The strongest meteor shower of the year will be showcased in a live online event hosted by Virtual Telescope. Dr. Gianluca Masi will provide expert commentary during the observation, starting at 23:00 UTC on December 13.
Their team has prepared specialized equipment with a very large field of view in Manciano, Italy, under some of the darkest skies in the region.
We are hoping for clear skies, and the weather forecast for Manciano looks promising despite a Yellow Warning for Thunderstorms in effect from 13:00 LT on Friday.
History and evolution of the Geminids
The Geminids were first observed in the mid-1800s, initially producing 10 to 20 meteors per hour. Over time, the shower has intensified, now rivaling the August Perseids in brightness and frequency. Asteroid 3200 Phaethon’s lack of a visible tail, unlike comets, makes its debris production a topic of scientific investigation.
The next notable meteor shower, the Ursids, peaks on December 21 to 22, 2024, offering up to 10 meteors per hour under dark-sky conditions.
This year’s Geminid meteor shower promises a dazzling display for those prepared to face challenging moonlit skies, with opportunities to enjoy the brightest meteors streaking across the heavens.
References:
1 Geminid Meteor Shower 2024 – National Space Centre – November 28, 2024
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.