Geminid Meteor Shower 2013: ‘Most Intense’ Meteor Shower Peaks on Friday

Geminid Meteor Shower 2013: ‘Most Intense’ Meteor Shower Peaks on Friday
Zachary Stieber
12/11/2013
Updated:
7/18/2015

The Geminid Meteor Shower in 2013, known as one of the best meteor showers to watch, will peak on Friday, December 13.

The Geminid shower “is the most intense meteor shower of the year,” according to NASA.

Lasting from December 12 through December 16, the shower “ is rich in fireballs and can be seen from almost any point on Earth.” The peak rate of meteors this year per hour is 100 to 120.

News Photo: meteor from the Geminids meteor shower enters the…

A meteor (R) from the Geminids meteor shower enters the Earth’s atmosphere on December 13, 2012. (Jose Cabezas/AFP/Getty Images)

Best Time to Watch and Where to Go

The best time to watch the Geminids is around 1 to 2 a.m. local time. However, because of a predicted bright moon, 4 a.m. to dawn may be a better time. Additionally, viewing can start as early as 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.

To properly watch the shower, find a place away from city lights, and allow 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

A great way to view the meteors is to lie on your back. No binoculars are needed because it’s so bright.

The Geminids “are by far the most massive” debris streams that pass by Earth, said Bille Cooke of NASA. Meteor showers come from comets, which shed debris, including the meteors. 

Geminids comes from a rocky object called the 3200 Phaethon.