As 2024 comes to a close, the night sky is set to dazzle with two spectacular meteor showers: the Geminids and the Ursids. Regardless of whether you are an amateur astronomer, or simply adore the beauty of the night sky, these are the best chances to see nature’s light show in full swing.
The Geminid Meteor Shower
- Peak Night: December 13–14, 2024
- Meteor Rate: Up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions
- Moon Phase: Nearly full moon (97% illuminated)
The Geminids are one of the richest and most predictable meteor showers, which produces relatively bright, colorful, and apparently emanating from the Gemini. Although the nearly full moon will be up on the peak night and may obscure some of the dimmer shooting stars, the brighter ones will be simply tremendous.
Viewing Tips:
- It is better to find a place where the moon will be obscured by a building, a mountain or a tree to avoid that it shines in your face.
- Geminids are at its best after midnight when the radiant is well up in the sky. Be calm – meteor showers can be seen at night therefore let your eyes get used to the darkness in about 20-30 minutes.
The Ursid Meteor Shower
- Peak Night: December 21–22, 2024
- Meteor Rate: 5–10 meteors per hour
- Moon Phase: First quarter, setting before midnight
Although the Ursids are not as popular or as bright as the Geminids, they present a lovely meteor shower of shooting stars right before Christmas. Because of the moon setting, this meteor shower should be easier to watch since it will be darker at midnight. The Ursids are responsible for that part of the sky and belong to the constellation of Ursa Minor, or the Little Bear.
Viewing Tips:
- The best time to go out is after midnight when the radiant point is up.
- Since fewer meteors are produced, getting a clear, wide and dry area away from artificial lights of cities will increase your chances of seeing them.
General Tips for Meteor Shower Viewing:
- Timing: Both meteor showers are most active at night and during the early morning, at dawn.
- Location: Select a site with low light interferences from artificial light sources within the vicinity of a city.
- Comfort: Bundle up! It can get a little cold at night especially in December, so carrying warm clothes, blankets, and even a flask of hot chocolate should do the trick.
- Patience: Make sure you let your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness. Observing meteors is a rather boring affair but the rare sightings are worth the whole experience.
A Cosmic Close to 2024
Meteor showers have always been fascinating and intriguing and remind us of the world where we exist. Even if you get to see only a few shooting stars, the Geminids and Ursids are both worth seeing.
This is a perfect time to mark your calendar, get your winter coat on, and take a moment to appreciate the spectacular light show put together by the universe as it closes out 2024!