Geminids Meteor Shower 2025: What are Geminids and where do the meteors come from? NASA explains the unusual source
What are Geminids?
The Geminid meteor shower takes its name from the constellation Gemini from which meteors appear to radiate. According to Space.com, the constellation is located northeast of Orion, between Taurus and Cancer. According to CNN, the Geminids are formed from the remnants of asteroid 3200 Phaethon. The asteroid’s tight orbit around the Sun subjects it to intense heat, causing it to release particles that spread all along its path. Every year, Earth passes through this trail of debris, causing a stunning meteor shower. In areas where debris is denser, the result is the bright fireballs associated with the Geminids.
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Geminids first began appearing in the mid-1800s, but the first showers were unremarkable; Only 10 to 20 meteors were visible per hour. Since then, the Geminids have grown to become one of the most significant meteor showers of the year. During the peak, 120 Geminid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions. According to NASA, Geminids are bright, fast meteors and are usually yellow in color. Geminids are active for several weeks each December.
Meteors come from comet particles and debris from asteroids. When these objects come around the Sun, they leave a dusty trail behind. Earth passes through these debris trails every year, allowing particles to collide with our atmosphere, where they break apart to create fiery, colorful streaks across the sky.
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When and where to watch the Geminid meteor shower?
Although Geminid meteors can be spotted throughout the night, the best time to watch is from midnight to the early hours before dawn, when rates are generally highest. This is the best time, because the constellation Gemini, sparkling from the shower, climbs higher in the sky as the night progresses. Geminid meteor showers peak on the night of December 13 and in the early morning hours of December 14.
The best time to watch Geminid meteor showers is from late night to pre-dawn hours, as meteor rates are generally highest during the peak from midnight to around 4:00 a.m. local time.
View clues for Geminid meteor showers
Geminids are best viewed during the night and pre-dawn hours and are visible worldwide due to their maximum range of approximately 24 hours. This shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers as it starts around 9pm or 10pm in the evening. To watch geminids, find an area well away from city lights or street lights. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie on your back with your feet facing south and look up to take in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adjust and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient; the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to take a look.ALSO READ: Quote of the day from Bill Gates: ‘It’s nice to celebrate success, but it’s more important…’
Best places to watch in India
Although Geminid meteor showers can be seen wherever the sky is clear, some places in India offer better chances due to darker skies and wide horizons. For example, higher altitudes such as the Himalayan foothills, Nilgiris, Western Ghats or Shillong Plateau often have clearer, darker skies above light-polluted city air. According to TOI, fields, open meadows and rural village areas far from major cities will also allow you to view the sky with minimal light pollution.
