In 2021, the Geminids will peak on the night between Dec 13–14
December Meteor Shower
The Geminids are considered to be one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, with the possibility of sighting around 120 meteors per hour at its peak, which is on December 13 or 14, depending on your time zone.
The shower owes its name to the constellation Gemini because the meteors seem to emerge from this constellation in the sky.
An Asteroid Meteor Shower
Unlike most other meteor showers, the Geminids are not associated with a comet but with an asteroid: the 3200 Phaethon. The asteroid takes about 1.4 years to orbit the Sun.
Astronomical terms and definitions
What Time Does the Meteor Shower Peak?
The table is updated daily and shows the position of the Geminids radiant in the sky for the upcoming night. Use the date drop down above the Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map to change dates.
| Geminids meteor shower for Washington DC (Night between December 13 and December 14) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Azimuth/Direction | Altitude |
| Mon 6:00 pm | 46° | 0.8° |
| Mon 7:00 pm | 55° | 9.5° |
| Mon 8:00 pm | 63° | 19.4° |
| Mon 9:00 pm | 70° | 30.0° |
| Mon 10:00 pm | 77° | 41.2° |
| Mon 11:00 pm | 84° | 52.7° |
| Tue 12:00 midnight | 94° | 64.4° |
| Tue 1:00 am | 110° | 75.8° |
| Tue 2:00 am | 172° | 84.1° |
| Tue 3:00 am | 247° | 77.2° |
| Tue 4:00 am | 265° | 65.9° |
| Tue 5:00 am | 274° | 54.3° |
| Tue 6:00 am | 282° | 42.7° |
| Tue 7:00 am | 289° | 31.5° |
Direction to see the Geminids in the sky:
- Azimuth is the direction, based on true north; a compass might show a slightly different value.
- Altitude is height in degrees over horizon.
How to See the Geminids
You don't need any special equipment or a lot of skills to view a meteor shower. Even though all you really need is a clear sky, lots of patience, and our handy Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map with a visibility conditions meter to see a meteor shower, the following tips can help maximize your shooting star viewing experience.
- Find a secluded viewing spot, away from the city lights. Once at the venue, your eyes may take 15 to 20 minutes to get used to the dark.
- Dress for the weather, and make sure you are comfortable, especially if you plan to stay out long. Bring a blanket or a comfortable chair with you—meteor watching can be a waiting game.
- Once you have found your viewing spot, lie down on the ground and look up in the direction of the radiant. Use our Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map or the table above to find the current direction of the radiant in the sky.
