Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Early Friday

news image
Special Stories
13 Dec 2018 6:03 PM
Let your eyes adjust, grab the popcorn, and put on extra layers to take in the Geminid meteor shower overnight. Friday morning will be the best window to take in this annual tradition. You may need to set the alarm clock though, because 2 a.m. local time is the best window to take in the meteors, astronomers say. Astronomers describe the meteors within the Geminid shower to be "bold, white and quick." The cause of the meteor shower is a rock comet called '3200 Phaethon.' The so-called 3200 Phaethon crashes into the Earth's upper atmosphere at an estimated 80,000 miles per hour! It is then that the particles vaporize into colorful Geminid meteors. These meteors will be burning up about 60 miles above us. This phenomenon occurs when Earth passes through the tail of a comet. Those small particles of debris often lead to the brilliant 'shooting stars' across our night sky. You may be able to see between 50-120 meteors per hour at its peak! Tips for best viewing:
  • Get away from city lights and light pollution
  • Allow 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness
  • Go with a buddy to stay safe!
  • Dress warmly in this cold season
If you capture any part of this amazing nature show, please share your video your picture with us on our Facebook or Twitter pages. For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Steve Glazier
All Weather News
More
Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

A cold front that brought record lows to the

18 Jul 2025 10:40 PM
Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme heat continues to impact several area

18 Jul 2025 10:05 PM
Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

A cold front pushing through the Eastern Seab

18 Jul 2025 9:10 PM
EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah

18 Jul 2025 7:30 AM
Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Time has run out for notable tropical develop

18 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM