The Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Over Illinois This Weekend

We've already got lights galore at ground level all over the place because of the holidays, so why not add a bunch more in the skies over Illinois as we head toward Christmas in a little less than two weeks?

Stargazers in Illinois (and all across the Northern Hemisphere) are in for a treat this weekend because the Geminid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers, is set to peak overnight tomorrow, Saturday, December 13th into Sunday, December 14th

The Geminids are widely considered the best meteor shower of the year, regularly outshining even the popular Perseids. Unlike most meteor showers, which come from comet debris, the Geminids originate from a rocky asteroid (3200 Phaethon) that sheds dust and rocks that slam into Earth’s atmosphere at about 22 miles per second. When these tiny particles burn up they produce bright streaks across the sky, which some observers have reported seeing as many as 120-150 meteors per hour under ideal dark skies.

Here's When And Where To Look To See The Geminids

According to Earth/Sky, the Geminid meteor shower has already been very active since early December, but the real show happens over the peak night of December 13th-14th, especially between 9pm and the early morning hours when the radiant point in the constellation Gemini climbs higher in the sky.

Here in Illinois, you don’t need any special equipment to see the Geminids, just your eyes and some patience. Here's what the experts recommend you do:

• Head away from city lights for the best view. Rural areas like star parties or parks outside Chicago provide darker skies.

• Let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Looking at your phone or bright lights can reset your night vision, so try to keep your phone's screen off.

• Try to look toward the eastern to southern sky, where Gemini will be rising, but meteors can appear anywhere once you’re out under the stars.

Because this weekend's forecast is for extreme cold in Illinois, dress warmly with layers and blankets, and keep hot drinks handy to make the experience more comfortable.

Clouds and light pollution can limit what you see, so check the cloud forecast before heading out. If it's clear this weekend, you might catch everything from quick, bright shooting stars to earthgrazers (meteors that skim long and low across the sky for dramatic effect).