Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Early Sunday at 2 a.m. — How to Catch the Show

The Geminid meteor shower is one of the year’s most reliable and active displays, reaching its peak early Sunday at 2 a.m. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, observers can see dozens — and in very dark locations, potentially more than a hundred — meteors per hour.

Where and When to Watch

Get as far from city lights as possible and choose a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky. The best time is after midnight through the early pre-dawn hours; look overhead and toward the constellation Gemini for the highest concentration of meteors. Local peak times can vary slightly by time zone, so check a trusted local astronomy source if you need exact timing.

How to See More Meteors

• Dark adaptation: Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. Avoid looking at phone screens or bright lights during this time.
• Comfort: Recline on a blanket or use a lawn chair so you can comfortably view a wide area of sky.
• Field of view: Meteors can appear anywhere, so don’t stare only at Gemini — keep your gaze broad and frequently sweep the sky.
• Weather & Moon: Check the forecast and moon phase. A bright moon will reduce faint meteor visibility.

Photography Tips

Capturing meteors on a phone is difficult but possible with the right app and settings; however, a dedicated camera is easier to use for night-sky photography. Try a wide-angle lens on a stable tripod, manual focus set to infinity, a high ISO (start around ISO 1600–3200), a wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4), and exposures of 15–30 seconds. Use an intervalometer or continuous shooting mode to increase your chances of catching a streak. Avoid overexposing the sky — shorter exposures repeated over time often yield better results.

Final Tips

Use sky-mapping apps to locate Gemini and the shower’s radiant, dress warmly, and bring snacks and patience — meteor watching rewards time spent outdoors. Enjoy the show!