Where can you observe the Geminids meteor shower?

The Geminids meteor shower is set to peak on Thursday and Friday, showcasing its dazzling display of multicoloured streaks of light. This annual event can be observed worldwide with the naked eye, although visibility may be affected by weather conditions. In optimal circumstances, viewers may witness between 100 to 120 meteors per hour, making the Geminids one of the most reliable and spectacular meteor showers of the year, according to NASA. Unlike other meteor showers caused by comets, the Geminids are attributed to debris left behind by a rocky asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon. These meteors are created when Earth passes through the trails of debris from asteroids or comets, which burn up in our atmosphere, resulting in stunning flashes of light. The Geminids derive their name from the Gemini constellation, as they appear to emerge from this region of the sky. What makes the Geminids distinct from other meteor showers is the presence of various colors, including white, yellow, green, red, and blue. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich attributes this colorful phenomenon to the existence of metals such as sodium and calcium, a similar effect to that used in fireworks displays. Dr. Minjae Kim, an astronomy and astrophysics research fellow at the University of Warwick, described the Geminids as a captivating celestial event in which numerous shooting stars appear to emanate from the same area in the sky. To increase the chances of spotting this spectacular show, it is recommended to find a dark open space where the night sky is clearly visible. Dr. Kim suggests utilizing stargazing apps to determine the exact location to look for the meteor shower. Additionally, allowing your eyes time to adjust to the darkness and having a friend accompany you to observe different parts of the sky are helpful tips provided by Dr. Kim. In the UK, the peak of the Geminids meteor shower is expected to begin around 7:30 pm GMT on Thursday, 14 December. However, even if you miss the peak, the meteor showers will continue until the 20th of December.