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The Geminid meteor shower will light up the night sky from November 19 to December 24, 2025, peaking overnight on December 13–14. The best viewing time is around 3 UTC on December 14 (about 2 a.m. local time in many places) when the radiant in Gemini is highest.
A 30% lit waning crescent moon will rise a few hours after midnight during the peak, so moonlight will have little effect on visibility. Under dark skies, observers could see up to 120 meteors per hour.
Radiant point of Geminid meteor shower
The radiant point is the spot in the sky where the meteors appear to come from. For the Geminids, it lies near the bright star Castor in the constellation Gemini. Castor is about 52 light-years from Earth and sits close to the shower’s radiant. Meteor showers are named after the constellation where their radiant lies, though the constellation itself is not the source of the meteors.
The parent body of the Geminid meteor shower
The Geminids are unusual because they come from an asteroid, 3200 Phaethon, rather than a comet. First observed in 1862, the Geminids remain one of the most reliable annual showers, drawing interest from stargazers around the world.
When and how to see the Geminids?
- Peak time: December 13–14, 2025, with maximum activity around 3 UTC on December 14.
- Find a dark location: Stay away from city lights and light pollution for the best view.
- Locate the radiant: Look near Castor in the Gemini constellation for the origin point.
- Use a sky map: Apps and software can help you pinpoint the radiant.
- Optional equipment: A telescope or binoculars can help spot fainter meteors, though they are not required.
- Dark adaptation: Allow 30–45 minutes for your eyes to adjust; use red light instead of bright white light.
- Comfort: Bring blankets, pillows, or chairs to make extended viewing easier.
- Astrophotography: A tripod and camera can capture the event; experiment with long exposures for the best results.
Here’s a video that will help you capture the meteor shower.
Geminid meteor shower compared to other annual showers
Many astronomers consider the Geminids the most impressive and consistent annual meteor shower. They can produce around 120 meteors per hour at their peak, often brighter and faster than those from other showers. The meteors tend to appear white or yellow and are thought to include larger fragments, creating brighter and longer-lasting streaks.
