The most beautiful meteor shower of December: how to observe the Geminids
10 December 2025 04:00
In December, Ukrainians will witness one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena – the Geminid meteor shower, which annually presents hundreds of bright “shooting stars” to the sky. This year, it will be possible to observe the meteor shower from almost anywhere in the world, and the conditions for Ukraine are expected to be particularly favorable. This is reported by Space.com, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
It is noted that the Geminids are active from November 19 to December 24 each year.
When are the Geminids visible in 2025?
Period of activity: from December 4 to 20
Peak of the shower: night of December 14 to 15, around midnight
Best time to observe: after 23:00, when the radiant of the constellation Gemini rises high above the horizon
The Geminids are visible in both hemispheres of the Earth, but the conditions will be best in the northern hemisphere, including Ukraine.
Why the stream is called the Geminids
The name is associated with the constellation Gemini. It is from this direction that meteors, the so-called radiant of the stream, “emerge” when looking at the sky.
In fact, the particles originate from the asteroid 3200 Phaeton, which leaves a trail of dust behind. When the Earth passes through it, a star shower erupts in the sky.
What will be the intensity in 2025?
NASA calls the Geminids the brightest and most powerful annual meteor shower.
On a good night, you can see up to 120 meteors per hour, which is about two meteors every minute.
How fast are the “shooting stars” flying?
The speed of the particles is impressive:
- 260,000 km/h – when they burst into the atmosphere;
- 130,000 km/h – when an observer sees a flash in the sky.
Despite the enormous speed, the observation is absolutely safe, as meteors burn completely in the upper atmosphere.
How to prepare for the observation
No special equipment is required to observe the Geminids – no telescopes or binoculars. The most important thing is to find a place with the least light pollution, away from city lights. Lie on your back, relax and let your eyes adjust to the darkness – it will take about 30 minutes. Avoid using your phone and only turn on the red light of a flashlight if necessary so as not to ruin your night vision.
When the Geminids were first observed
This stream is relatively young compared to others:
- The Geminids were first observed in 1862
- Perseids – have been observed since the beginning of the XIX century
- Leonids – known since the 17th century
Despite their “youth”, the Geminids are already considered one of the most spectacular and predictable meteor showers.
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