Geminid meteor shower to light up Australian skies in near-ideal conditions
The moon will be obscured by this year’s Geminid meteor shower, creating near-ideal lunar conditions in Australia.
Known as one of the best and most reliable meteor showers no matter where you are on the planet, the Geminid is an annual meteor shower of shooting stars, with the potential to see an average of one shooting star per minute.
The meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris stream left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
The Geminid meteor shower began on December 4 and will continue until December 20, 2025.
Where should I look to see the Geminid meteor shower?
University of Southern Queensland Professor of Astrophysics Jonti Horner says Australian viewers should look to the North, Northeast and Northwest to catch the dazzling shower.
“Sit back, relax, and spend an hour or more under the stars,” he said.
“Give yourself plenty of time to see things. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness. People in the north of Australia will see more than people in the south of Australia. But even from Hobart you’ll still see a good show.”
When is the best time to watch the Geminid meteor shower?
- Brisbane: Sunday 14 December 21.00 – Monday 15 December 05.00
- Darwin: Sunday, 14 December 21.30 – Monday, 15 December 06.30
- Perth: Sunday, 14 December 22:00 – Monday, 15 December 05:00
- Sydney: Sunday 14 December 23:00 – Monday 15 December 06:00
- Canberra: Sunday 14 December 23:00 – Monday 15 December 06:00
- Adelaide: Sunday 14 December 23.30 – Monday 15 December 05.30
- Melbourne: Monday, 15 December 12:00 – 06:00
- Hobart: Monday 15 December 12:00 – 05:00
