- The Geminids reach their peak on Sunday night – up to 150 shooting stars per hour are possible.
- They do not come from a comet, but from the asteroid Phaeton and often shine in bright colors.
- If you want to see them tonight, you should keep an eye on the local weather and go above 800 meters.
The Geminids are the last shooting stars of the year – and something very special: they are named after the constellation Gemini (Latin: Gemini) and, unlike most meteor showers, do not arise from comet tails. They go back to the asteroid (3200) Phaeton (see box), which was discovered on October 11, 1983 and named after the son of the Greek sun god Helios. But that’s not the only reason why shooting star fans celebrate the last meteor shower of the year: the Geminids are also particularly colorful.
Exactly how the Geminids form is still unclear
Green, yellow, violet – almost any color is possible
Table of Contents
The origin of the up to 120 or even 150 Geminid shooting stars also influences their color. Because the particles of Phaeton can contain different metals. Depending on the chemical composition of a December shooting star, it can appear different. Magnesium produces green traces, sodium yellow, calcium purple, iron orange. The particles are also particularly compact and therefore glow longer.
Go through it or get up early: then you have the greatest chance
According to experts, the best chances of sighting are in the morning hours of December 14th. But not between eight and nine o’clock, when the Geminids are at their peak. Because then it is already light again. Even the brightest shooting stars cannot be seen. Since the Geminid maximum lasts several hours, this is not a problem.
Will you be looking for the Geminids tonight?
The moon is also playing its part this year
As long as the sky is dark, the chances are good. In 2025, unlike last year, the Geminids will coincide with a waning crescent moon. It will be correspondingly dark: the moonlight will not be an obstacle.
Weather makes Geminid spotting a little tricky, but not impossible
Things look slightly different when it comes to the weather. Because in many places the sky will be cloudy at times. Fog is expected up to between 700 and 800 meters. This clouds the view of the celestial spectacle. It is therefore advisable to look for cloud holes in fog-free areas. And it’s best to do it where it’s dark, far away from the light-flooded cities. According to meteorologist Peter Wick, the conditions “are optimal in the inner Alpine valleys, in the south and of course above 800 meters.”
Looking east is most recommended
From around 10 p.m. the Geminids are high enough above the horizon to provide good viewing conditions. Looking east is recommended. The extremely bright Jupiter will be clearly visible and can be used as a landmark. But it can also be worthwhile to let your eyes wander. Because the Geminids can appear anywhere in the sky – wherever they enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
Subscribe to Knowledge Channel notifications in the 20-minute app. You will be informed about groundbreaking research findings and discoveries, explanations of current events and curious news from the wide world of science. You will also receive answers to everyday questions and tips for a better life.
This is how it works: Install the latest version of the 20 Minutes app. Tap on “Profile” at the bottom, then on the “Settings” gear and finally on “Push notifications”. Select the topics you want here.
Fee Anabelle Riebeling (fee) has been working for 20 minutes since 2014. She is deputy. Head of Knowledge, History & Digital and Head of the Fact Check & Verification expert committee.
