The Geminid meteor shower, a dazzling yearly spectacle, is expected to reach its peak this weekend. Skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the UK, have a great chance of seeing the show, weather permitting.
Unlike most meteor showers, which come from comets, the Geminids originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As dust and gases enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and create colorful streaks, sometimes green, yellow, red, or blue.
In the UK, a waning crescent Moon rising after midnight could provide several hours of dark skies, ideal for spotting meteors. “On a clear night, you could see up to 100 meteors an hour,” says Dr Robert Massey of the Royal Astronomical Society.
For the best view, find a dark, open space away from light pollution. Meteors radiate from Gemini, but looking slightly away gives a wider view.
The Geminids peak on Sunday, 14 December. Cloudy and windy weather may affect visibility, though parts of Northern Scotland, the Northern Isles, East Anglia, and southeast England could see clearer skies.
