TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – The annual Geminid meteor shower is set to light up East Texas skies this weekend, peaking the night of Dec. 13 into the early morning of Dec. 14. Observers could see as many as 150 meteors streak across the sky per hour under ideal, dark-sky conditions.
“This is one of the best and reliable meteor showers to see!” said Beau Hartweg, director of the Tyler Junior College Earth and Space Science Center. “The Geminids is one of my favorites of the year.”
What to expect
- Peak nights: Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, with best viewing in the hours after midnight.
- Rate: Up to about 150 meteors per hour under dark skies.
- Speed: Meteors from the Geminids enter Earth’s atmosphere at roughly 21 miles per second.
- Radiant: The meteors appear to originate from the constellation Gemini, near the star Castor — which is why they’re called the Geminids.
Why the Geminids happen
The Geminid meteors are caused by debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth passes through the dust and small particles in that debris stream each December, the particles hit our atmosphere and burn up, producing the bright, colorful streaks we see as meteors.
Tips for the best viewing
- Give your eyes time to adjust: It can take about 45 minutes to an hour for night vision to fully develop, so arrive early and be patient.
- Find darkness: Go to a spot away from city lights to maximize the number of visible meteors.
- Dress warmly: Temperatures can drop significantly after midnight — bring layers, blankets and a lawn chair or sleeping bag.
- Look up and relax: Meteors can appear in any part of the sky; you don’t need to stare directly at the constellation to see them. If one flashes in the corner of your eye, it may be a Geminid.
Hartweg recommends watching after midnight for the best show.
Bundle up, pick a dark viewing spot, and keep your eyes on the sky — the Geminids are one of nature’s brightest and most reliable celestial displays.
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