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
Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

Storms will continue to track through the Eas

12 Sep 2026 1:00 AM
Tropics: Power Restoration Progresses in Kauai, Norbert Tracks West

Tropics: Power Restoration Progresses in Kauai, Norbert Tracks West

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

11 Sep 2026 11:15 PM
Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Upper Midwest

Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Upper Midwest

A changing weather pattern will bring several

11 Sep 2026 11:10 PM
NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

If it felt like this summer was relentless an

11 Sep 2026 11:00 PM
Atlantic Breaks Record For Latest First Hurricane

Atlantic Breaks Record For Latest First Hurricane

For the first time in the satellite era (sinc

11 Sep 2026 10:00 PM
High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

Temperatures not only broke records on Wednes

10 Sep 2026 11:10 AM
Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

The plains have had an active summer. Severe

10 Sep 2026 10:15 AM