‘One of the best’ meteor showers peaks this week. Here’s where to watch in California
The Geminid meteor shower will peak this week and you can catch a glimpse — if you’re willing to drive away from the California city lights.
The meteor shower has been active since Nov. 19, according to NASA. However, Wednesday night and early Thursday morning will be the best options for trying to view the meteors.
Here’s what to know about the shower and how you can watch:
What is the Geminid meteor shower?
The Geminids meteor shower is considered to be “one of the best and most reliable” annual meteor showers, according to NASA.
The shower is a result of an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, the NASA website states.
Though the shower will be active until Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve — it will peak Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
“During its peak, 120 Geminid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions,” NASA states.
How can I watch the meteor shower?
To find the Geminid meteor shower, look for bright and fast meteors during the night and predawn hours.
“Most meteors appear to be colorless or white, however the Geminids appear with a greenish hue,” Bill Cooke, lead for the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, stated in a NASA blog post.
The shower will begin around 9 or 10 p.m. and will last until dawn, NASA states on its website.
“To view the Geminids, find an area well away from the city lights or street lights,” the website states.
Under these ideal conditions — including clear weather — viewers will be able to see more than one meteor each minute across California skies.
