The Geminids meteor shower has once again illuminated December skies, delivering its signature celestial spectacle to stargazers across Asia and beyond. Reaching peak intensity on December 13-14, this annual phenomenon continues through December 17, offering late-night observers optimal viewing conditions as moonlight diminishes after midnight.
What sets the Geminids apart from other meteor showers? Unlike most cosmic displays originating from cometary debris, these shooting stars stem from 3200 Phaethon – a rare asteroid-meteoroid hybrid. This unique parent body creates particularly bright and slow-moving meteors, with fireballs frequently painting vivid trails across the night canvas.
While visible in both hemispheres, Northern Hemisphere observers enjoy superior shows due to the radiant's position near the constellation Gemini. Urban dwellers across Tokyo, Delhi, and Beijing reported visible streaks despite light pollution, while rural areas witnessed the full spectacle of 100-150 meteors per hour.
For those who missed this year's peak, astronomy calendars already mark January 3-4, 2026, for the Quadrantids meteor shower. However, scientists note the Geminids' gradual intensification over decades suggests even more impressive displays could develop by the 2030s.
