What are Geminids?
The Geminid meteor shower is named after the constellation from which the meteors appear to radiate, Gemini. The constellation sits northeast of Orion, between Taurus and Cancer, according to Space.com. The Geminids are made up of debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, reports CNN. The asteroid’s tight orbit around the Sun exposes it to intense heat, causing it to release particles that spread along its entire path. Each year, Earth moves through this debris trail, producing a striking meteor shower. In areas where the debris is denser, the result is the bright fireballs associated with the Geminids.
ALSO READ: Geminids meteor shower 2025 India Time: When, where, and how to watch 100 shooting stars per hour
The Geminids first began appearing in the mid-1800s but the first showers were not noteworthy with only 10 to 20 meteors seen per hour. Since that time, the Geminids have grown to become one of the major meteor showers of the year. During its peak, 120 Geminid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions. The Geminids are bright and fast meteors and tend to be yellow in color, according to NASA. The Geminids are active for several weeks every December.
Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from asteroids. When these objects come around the Sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them. Every year Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery and colorful streaks in the sky.
ALSO READ: IndiGo flight status December 13: Check latest cancellations and updates from major airports for today
When and where to watch the Geminids meteor showers
While Geminids meteors can be spotted throughout the night, the best time to watch is after midnight through the early hours before dawn, when rates are typically highest. That is the best time, because the constellation Gemini, the shower’s radiant, climbs higher in the sky as the night goes on. Geminids meteor showers peak on the night of December 13 into the early morning of December 14.
The best viewing time of Geminids meteor showers is late night to pre-dawn hours as Meteor rates are typically highest from midnight to around 4:00 am local time during the peak.
Viewing tips for Geminids meteor showers
The Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours and are visible across the globe due to a nearly 24-hour broad maximum. This shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers since this shower starts around 9 or 10 p.m. To view the Geminids, find an area well away from the city lights or street lights. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing south and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.ALSO READ: Quote of the day by Bill Gates: ‘It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to…’
Best places to watch in India
While Geminids meteor showers can be seen from anywhere with a clear sky, some places in India offer better chances due to their darker skies and wide horizons. For instance, higher elevations like Himalayan foothills, Nilgiris, Western Ghats, or Shillong Plateau often have clearer, darker skies above light-polluted city air. Fields, open meadows, and rural village areas away from major cities will also let you view the sky with minimal light contamination, as per TOI.