How to watch Geminid meteor shower that's set to release 120 shooting stars per hour on Friday the 13th
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A spectacular meteor shower will peak on Friday the 13th, producing up to 120 shooting stars per hour under perfect viewing conditions. The Geminids are among the best and most reliable meteor showers that dazzle the night sky each year. But that's not all that makes them unique.
![[The Geminids are one of the few major meteor showers to hail from asteroids. These meteors are chunks of debris from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the Sun once every 1.4 years]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/11/17/93046413-14182199-The_Geminids_are_one_of_the_few_major_meteor_showers_to_hail_fro-a-16_1733936612032.jpg)
They are also one of the few major meteor showers to hail from asteroids, which have different chemical compositions from comets. Due to its origins, the shooting stars often appear bright yellow or green as they streak across the sky. The shower could even produce some 'fireballs,' or shooting stars brighter than Venus, allowing them to be visible even from light-polluted cities.
Though the best chance to see them will be on December 13, they should remain visible until December 21. If you live in a city or other densely populated area, you may want to consider seeking out a more rural viewing location, as light pollution can dim the show.
Choose a location that affords you a wide view of the night sky without obstruction from trees, buildings or other objects. The spectacular Geminid meteor shower will peak this Friday, producing up to 120 shooting stars per hour under perfect viewing conditions.
While you watch, try to avoid looking at your phone or any other light sources, as you will be more likely to see shooting stars when your eyes are adjusted to the darkness. The light of the moon, however, is likely to dampen their visibility as it will be full or near-full for most of this period.
