Witness the Spectacular Geminid Meteor Shower in Pennsylvania

The Geminid Meteor Shower: A Stargazing Highlight in Pennsylvania

Escape the dazzle of holiday lights to experience one of the year’s most reliable meteor showers. The Geminid meteor shower, visible from mid-November through Christmas, peaks each year in mid-December. According to NASA, you can expect up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak, no equipment necessary.

View the Geminid meteor shower in Pennsylvania for a memorable celestial event. Here’s everything you need to know about its origins and the best time to watch it.

Understanding the Geminid Meteor Shower

First observed from Earth in the mid-1800s, the Geminid meteor shower has been gaining visibility over the years. As per NASA descriptions, the Geminids are bright, fast, and tend to be yellow in color, moving at a staggering speed of 79,000 mph or 22 miles per second.

The meteors originate from debris and particles from an asteroid orbiting the sun. The Earth travels through the dusty trails left by this motion each year, causing the visible meteor streaks as the debris disintegrates in our planet’s atmosphere.

Unlike most meteors that come from asteroids and comets, the Geminids specifically come from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, discovered in 1983. NASA’s research into this asteroid reveals intriguing facts, such as its tail being composed of sodium gas rather than dust, raising questions about the classification of comets and asteroids.

Best Time to Watch the Geminid Meteor Shower in Pennsylvania

The peak of the Geminid meteor shower in Pennsylvania will be around the nights of Wednesday, Dec. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 14. The best viewing time is likely to be when night falls after the peak activity around 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday.

According to EarthSky, a waxing crescent moon will provide good visibility for the event, making it an excellent year to see the shower under ideal conditions.

For the best viewing experience, wait until after 10 p.m., find a spot away from light pollution, and lie on your back with your feet facing south. It may take about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust, but the spectacle will be worth the wait.