Live Event - Happening Now

The Best Meteor Shower of 2025

Geminid Meteor Shower
Peak Tonight!

Up to 150 meteors per hour visible tonight (Dec 13-14). Near-perfect viewing conditions with only 26% moon illumination. This is the #1 meteor shower of 2025 - don't miss it!

150
Meteors/Hour Max
26%
Moon (Ideal!)
10PM
Best Start Time
East
Look Direction

⏰ When to Watch

Tonight, Dec 13-14
Best viewing: 10 PM - 2 AM local time
Peak intensity around 2 AM

🧭 Where to Look

Eastern Sky
Near bright Jupiter
Gemini constellation rises at sunset

📊 Expected Rate

50-150/hour
Dark skies: 120-150 meteors
Suburban: 20-50 meteors

🌙 Excellent conditions! Moon sets early, minimal light interference expected.
How to Watch Tonight → 📅 Full 2025 Calendar 📰 Latest News ↗
Jump to: What is a Meteor Shower? Why Geminids are Special Viewing Guide Photography Tips FAQ
Data from: 🚀 NASA ⭐ American Meteor Society 🌍 EarthSky 🔭 Space.com 📅 TimeandDate

What is a Meteor Shower?

A celestial event where numerous meteors radiate from one point in the night sky

☄️

Cosmic Debris

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through trails of debris left behind by comets or asteroids. These tiny particles (often the size of a grain of sand) burn up in our atmosphere at altitudes of 50-80 miles, creating streaks of light we call "shooting stars."

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Radiant Point

Meteors appear to originate from a single point in the sky called the "radiant." Showers are named after the constellation where this radiant is located. For the Geminids, the radiant is in the constellation Gemini (the Twins).

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Atmospheric Entry

Particles enter Earth's atmosphere at incredible speeds - Geminids travel at about 35 km/s (78,000 mph), slower than many showers but producing bright, colorful meteors. The friction with air molecules creates the visible glow.

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Annual Events

Major meteor showers occur at the same time each year as Earth's orbit intersects the same debris streams. The International Meteor Organization maintains a complete calendar of all annual showers.

🌠 Geminid Meteor Shower 2025

The most spectacular meteor shower of the year is happening NOW!

Why 2025 Geminids Are Special

The 2025 Geminid meteor shower offers near-optimal viewing conditions. With the Moon at only 26-34% illumination during the peak, moonlight interference will be minimal. This is one of the best opportunities in recent years to witness this spectacular display!

150
Max Meteors Per Hour
Dec 13-14
Peak Night 2025
10 PM - 2 AM
Best Viewing Time (Local)
26%
Moon Illumination (Perfect!)

Source: The Geminids originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, making them unique among major meteor showers (most come from comets). They're known for being bright, colorful, and reliable.

Learn More:

📡 NASA December 2025 Guide ↗ 🌍 EarthSky Geminids Guide ↗ 📰 CNN Coverage ↗ 🔭 In-The-Sky.org ↗

How to Watch Meteor Showers

Follow these steps for the best meteor shower viewing experience

1

Find Dark Skies

Get away from city lights. Use Light Pollution Map ↗ to find dark locations near you.

2

Check the Weather

Clear skies are essential. Check meteor shower weather forecast ↗.

3

Time It Right

Best viewing: 10 PM - 2 AM local time. Use TimeandDate ↗ for your location.

4

Get Comfortable

Lie flat with feet facing south. NASA recommends 30+ minutes for best experience. More NASA tips ↗

5

Dark Adapt Your Eyes

Allow 30 minutes for eyes to adjust. Use apps like Stellarium ↗ in night mode to identify stars.

6

Report Your Sightings

Help scientists! Report meteors to American Meteor Society ↗.

2025 Meteor Shower Calendar

Plan your stargazing year with our complete meteor shower schedule. View full AMS calendar ↗

Meteor Shower Peak Date Rate (ZHR) Moon / Conditions Parent Body
Quadrantids Jan 3-4
80-120
Fair (Waxing Crescent) Asteroid 2003 EH1
Lyrids Apr 22
18
Good Comet Thatcher
Eta Aquariids May 6
50
Variable Comet Halley
Perseids Aug 12-13
100
Variable Comet Swift-Tuttle
Orionids Oct 21
20
Excellent (New Moon) Comet Halley
Leonids Nov 17-18
15
Good (Waning Crescent) Comet Tempel-Tuttle
⭐ Geminids Dec 13-14
150
Excellent (26% Moon) Asteroid 3200 Phaethon
Ursids Dec 21-22
10
Excellent (6% Moon) Comet 8P/Tuttle

ZHR = Zenithal Hourly Rate (maximum meteors per hour under ideal conditions). Actual rates depend on your location, light pollution, and weather. Data source: International Meteor Organization

Pro Viewing Tips

Expert advice to maximize your meteor shower experience

📍 Location Tips

  • Drive at least 30 miles from major cities
  • Find an open field with minimal obstructions
  • Avoid areas with streetlights or buildings
  • Higher elevation often means clearer skies
  • Check light pollution maps online

🎒 What to Bring

  • Warm blankets or sleeping bag
  • Reclining lawn chair or ground pad
  • Hot drinks in a thermos
  • Red flashlight (preserves night vision)
  • Star chart or astronomy app

📸 Photography Tips

  • Use a wide-angle lens (14-24mm)
  • Set aperture to f/2.8 or wider
  • ISO between 1600-6400
  • Exposure time: 15-30 seconds
  • Use a sturdy tripod and remote trigger

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Looking at phone screens (ruins night vision)
  • Giving up too early (be patient!)
  • Not dressing warmly enough
  • Using binoculars (naked eye is better)
  • Staring at only one part of the sky

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about meteor showers

What time is best to watch the Geminid meteor shower?
The best viewing time is from 10 PM local time on December 13th through 2 AM on December 14th. The radiant (the point in the sky where meteors appear to originate) is highest around 2 AM, offering peak meteor rates.
Do I need special equipment to see meteor showers?
No! Meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. Binoculars and telescopes actually limit your field of view. Just find a dark location, lie back, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes.
How many meteors will I actually see?
Under perfect dark sky conditions, you could see up to 120-150 meteors per hour during the Geminid peak. In suburban areas with some light pollution, expect 20-50 per hour. Even in less ideal conditions, you'll likely see several impressive meteors.
What direction should I look?
For the Geminids, look toward the eastern sky. However, meteors can appear anywhere, so it's best to lie flat and take in as much sky as possible. NASA recommends lying with your feet pointing south.
What causes the Geminid meteor shower?
The Geminids are caused by debris from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This makes them unique—most meteor showers come from comets. When Earth passes through this debris trail each December, the particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the light show we see.
Can I see meteor showers from the city?
You can see the brightest meteors from urban areas, but you'll miss most of the fainter ones. For the best experience, try to travel to a location at least 30 miles from major city lights. Even a suburban backyard is better than downtown.
What if it's cloudy on the peak night?
Don't worry! Meteor showers are active for several days around the peak. The Geminids are active from December 4-17. While rates are lower on other nights, you can still see plenty of meteors on December 12th or 15th if weather is better.

Don't Miss Tonight's Show!

The 2025 Geminid meteor shower peaks December 13-14. Set your reminder, find a dark spot, and prepare for one of nature's most spectacular displays.

Get Viewing Tips →