The Geminids Meteor Shower Is Peaking. Here’s How to Watch.
The New York Times
The shower forms from the debris of an asteroid and peaks this weekend. But a nearly full moon could interfere with viewing.
Our universe might be chock-full of cosmic wonder, but you can observe only a fraction of astronomical phenomena with your naked eye. Meteor showers, natural fireworks that streak brightly across the night sky, are one of them.
The latest observable meteor shower will be the Geminids, which has been active since Dec. 11 and is forecast to continue until Dec. 20 The shower reaches its peak Dec. 13 to 14, or Friday night into Saturday morning.
Caused by debris from an asteroid, the Geminids are one of the strongest and most popular meteor showers each year. This shower is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, but observers south of the Equator can also witness the show.
Like the Leonids last month, the Geminids peak during a nearly full moon, which may wash out the light from fainter streaks in the sky.
To get a hint at when to watch, you can use a meter that relies on data from the Global Meteor Network showing when real-time fireball activity levels increase in the coming days.
Clear skies will be key, and much of the northeast is expected deliver these optimal conditions through Friday night. That includes New York and Connecticut. However, cold temperatures are forecast in the region, so viewers may want to wear extra layers.
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