When and Where to see Geminids

When and Where to See the Geminids in 2017

In 2017, the Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of December 13 and early morning hours of December

The Geminids is 1 of 2 meteor showers in December.

The peak of the Geminids, which is considered to be one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year, is after dark on December 14.

A Waning Crescent Moon will make viewing conditions good for the shooting stars.

Named After Gemini
The Geminid meteor shower can be annually observed between December 4 and December 16, with its peak activity being around December 14. The shower owes its name to the constellation Gemini from where the meteors seem to emerge from in the sky.

An Asteroid Meteor Shower
Unlike most other meteor showers, the Geminids are associated not with a comet but with an asteroid: the 3200 Phaethon. The asteroid takes about 1.4 years to orbit around the Sun.

The Geminids are considered to be one of the more spectacular meteor shower during a year, with the possibility of sighting around 120 meteors per hour at its peak.

Where to View the Geminids
The Geminids can be observed from locations all around the world.

While it is not necessary to look in a particular direction to enjoy a meteor shower, astronomers suggest looking towards the south to view the Geminids.

When to View the Geminids
The best time to view the Geminids is at night – after sunset and before sunrise.

Location in the Sky
The Geminids meteor shower is not visible at this time of year. Maximum for the shower is on Thursday, 14 December 2017, 14:20; the table below is for that night:

Geminids meteor shower for Manila (Night between 14 December and 15 December)
Time Azimuth/Direction Altitude
Thu 20:00 58°East-northeast 9.9°
Thu 21:00 60°East-northeast 22.3°
Thu 22:00 60°East-northeast 34.9°
Thu 23:00 57°East-northeast 47.2°
Fri 00:00 49°Northeast 58.9°
Fri 01:00 30°North-northeast 68.3°
Fri 02:00 354°North 71.4°
Fri 03:00 323°Northwest 65.8°
Fri 04:00 308°Northwest 55.4°
Fri 05:00 302°West-northwest 43.4°
Note: times are for 14 Dec 2017. Set your location
How to View the Geminids
Here are some tips on how to maximize your time looking for the Geminids:

Get out of the city to a place where city and artificial lights do not impede your viewing
If you are out viewing the shower during its peak, you will not need any special equipment. You should be able to see the shower with your naked eyes.
Carry a blanket or a comfortable chair with you - viewing meteors, just like any other kind of star gazing is a waiting game, and you need to be comfortable. Plus, you may not want to leave until you can’t see the majestic celestial fireworks anymore.