Meteor showers happen throughout the year, but none are as stunning as the Geminids. With activity of up to 150 visible meteors per hour, this December gem can provide stunning shooting stars to observers in dark locations.
What Is the Geminid Meteor Shower?
The Geminid meteor shower is an annual meteor shower occurring late in the second week of December. In 2025, the shower will peak on the night of December 13 but will be visible until about December 21.
What Are Meteors?
Meteors, also known as shooting stars, start out as space rocks called meteoroids. When a meteoroid gets close to Earth, our gravity pulls it toward us. As the meteoroid enters our atmosphere, it begins to burn because of friction with the air. This burning space rock streaking toward Earth is what we call a meteor. If the meteor survives its trip through the atmosphere and lands on the Earth’s surface without totally burning up, then that rock is called a meteorite.
What Is a Meteor Shower?
Meteors can be visible any night of the year. In locations with dark skies, it is not uncommon to see a few every night. Meteor showers, however, happen when dozens or even hundreds of meteors per hour streak through the sky! These showers are caused by Earth passing through a field of debris in space, resulting in many more meteoroids entering our atmosphere than usual. This debris is typically leftover dust and rock from a comet, but the Geminids are actually the result of debris left by an asteroid called Phaethon.
Why Is It Called the Geminid Meteor Shower?
Meteor showers are named based on where in the sky they appear to originate. The Geminids get their name because they appear to come from the constellation Gemini. Gemini rises from the east and sits high in the sky after about 9 p.m. MST, so the best time to view this shower is later in the evening.
Why Is 2025 a Good Year for Viewing?
While the number of meteors visible during a meteor shower is consistent from year to year, the viewing conditions can change. For example, if the moon is high and full, its light can block out many shooting stars. In 2025, the peak night of the Geminid meteor shower falls on a night with a late moonrise. Since the moon will not rise until almost 2 a.m., there will be plenty of time for viewing this beautiful meteor shower under totally dark skies.
How to View the Geminids
The Geminid meteor shower has the potential to be spectacular in 2025, and knowing the best practices for viewing meteor showers will give you the best opportunity to experience this magical celestial phenomenon.
Get Away from City Lights
The most important thing you can do to improve your chances of seeing shooting stars is to get to a dark location. Light pollution from city lights can impact visibility and block out many fainter meteors. By traveling to a dark location such as a state or national park, you increase your chances to see more meteors.
Keep Your Eyes to the Sky
The best way to view a meteor shower is to kick back, look up, and relax. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness and avoid looking at phones or other screens to keep your night vision sharp. Keep looking up and you will start to see shooting stars!
Bundle Up
Don’t forget that it’s December! The Geminid meteor shower is the best one of the year, but it’s one of the least observed because cold temperatures and wintery conditions can deter stargazers. Bring a thick coat, gloves, and a scarf, and if you plan to lay on the ground, be sure to bring a blanket or two to lay on. Check the weather before you leave; clouds or snow make viewing impossible.
FAQs
When can I see the Geminids meteor shower?
The Geminids meteor shower runs from about December 4 through December 21. The peak night for viewing will be December 13, 2025.
Can I see the meteor shower from outside Grand Teton?
Yes! As long as you get to somewhere with clear dark skies, this meteor shower will be visible from everywhere in North America.
Do I need a telescope to see the meteor shower?
Nope. Meteor showers are best seen without telescopes because shooting stars are unpredictable and move quickly. All you need is a warm coat and your eyes!
Can I photograph the meteor shower?
Absolutely! Meteor showers are an especially stunning phenomenon for astrophotography. Be sure to turn your camera toward the constellation Gemini, the origin point of the meteor shower, and take continuous long exposure shots to increase your chances of capturing one of these astronomical marvels.
Is there a risk of encountering wildlife while viewing the meteor shower?
If you are in an area with active wildlife, yes, there is a chance of encountering wildlife while stargazing. Stay close to a vehicle if possible and carry bear spray as an extra precaution against potential wildlife encounters. Bring a red light to scan the area around you while preserving your night vision to check for wildlife, and bring a friend with you as an additional precaution.
