Geminids meteor shower peaks tonight: Where and when to see shooting stars light up the December skies

There is a lot going on today. It’s Friday the 13th, Taylor Swift’s birthday, and a great time to look up, especially in the hours leading up to or after midnight when a spectacular Geminid meteor shower will light up the skies. (That’s not to be confused with the mysterious drones flying over New Jersey.)

The Geminid shower will peak December 13, Friday night into Saturday morning, but is forecast to continue until December 20. It’s best viewed from the northern hemisphere, but it’s still somewhat visible in the southern hemisphere.

Here’s what to know.

What is the Geminid meteor shower, anyway?

The Geminids, one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year, are known for their bright vivid colors. The shower can display dozens of shooting stars every hour, painting the sky yellow, purple, green and leaving behind shimmering trails of light.

The shower occurs as Earth passes through the debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon. It first appeared in the mid-1800s and peaks mid-December each year.

During its peak, under perfect conditions, people can see up to 120 Geminid meteors an hour, according to NASA. The showers peak near a full moon, which can wash out the light from fainter streaks in the sky, decreasing visibility. This year, the full moon, dubbed the Cold Moon, appears over the weekend on Sunday, December 15.

NASA’s viewing tips for the Geminids

The Geminids are best viewed during the night and predawn hours, and are visible across the globe due to a nearly 24-hour broad maximum. This shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers, since it starts around 9 or 10 p.m.

Our friends at NASA offer these tips for viewing:

• Find a viewing spot away from city or street lights.
• Lie flat on your back with your feet facing south.
• You may want to bring a blanket, sleeping bag, or lounge chair.
• Look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors.
• Be patient. The show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.