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
East Coast Snow? What We Know About the Late Week System

East Coast Snow? What We Know About the Late Week System

Ready for the first snow of the season? While

7 Nov 2026 10:35 PM
Heavy Rain Brings Flooding Concerns to Northeast as Storm System Moves East

Heavy Rain Brings Flooding Concerns to Northeast as Storm System Moves East

The same system that has produced unsettled w

7 Nov 2026 10:00 PM
Texas Flood Threat This Weekend

Texas Flood Threat This Weekend

A strong trough of low pressure moving throug

7 Nov 2026 7:20 PM
Tropics Update: Pena Forms In The Central Pacific;One Area in the Atlantic Basin

Tropics Update: Pena Forms In The Central Pacific;One Area in the Atlantic Basin

Hurricane season isn’t over yet. The National

7 Nov 2026 7:05 PM
Atmospheric River Setup for the Northwest

Atmospheric River Setup for the Northwest

The calendar has now turned to month of Novem

7 Nov 2026 3:00 AM
Flash Flood Emergency For Parts of Georgia and Tennessee

Flash Flood Emergency For Parts of Georgia and Tennessee

Residences along the Ocoee (TN) and Toccoa (G

5 Nov 2026 1:50 PM
Torrential Downpours Batter the Sunshine State

Torrential Downpours Batter the Sunshine State

Florida has seen heavy rainfall and lots of f

5 Nov 2026 11:05 AM