![meteoroid gemini meteoroid gemini](http://img-chinatopix-2017-yibada1.netdna-ssl.com/data/images/full/66142/on-dec-13-meteor-experts-from-nasa-s-meteoroid-environment-office-will-answer-questions-during-a-live-tweet-chat-about-the-geminid-meteor-shower-from-nasa-s-marshall-space-flight-center.jpg)
They're named for the constellation Gemini, from which the meteors of this shower appear to originate as they streak across the sky. As it does, bits of dust and debris burn up in our atmosphere - these are the shooting stars of the Geminids. What is the Geminid meteor shower?Įvery December, the Earth passes through the trail of the mysterious rocky object 3200 Phaethon (it's not a comet, which is what all other meteor showers originate from, but an unusual asteroid-like celestial body). Here's everything you need to know about the Geminid meteor shower. Conditions should be pretty solid this year, as long as the clouds don't roll in, so all you'll have to do is bundle up to enjoy the light display. The Geminids are nearly upon us, meaning dozens of shooting stars will rain down every hour in one of Mother Nature's most inspiring shows in the night sky.
![meteoroid gemini meteoroid gemini](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/74/85/79/748579c3718f8dbdf68322ac5d9f39a4.jpg)
The meteors appear to come from the Ursa Minor constellation.The weather outside is frightful, but that's not going to stop stargazers from heading outdoors to watch one of the best meteor showers of the year. The Ursids are fairly low-key, delivering five or 10 meteors an hour, but on rare occasions they can produce outbursts of 100 or more meteors an hour. 17 to 26 and always peaks around the winter solstice, which is Dec. If you miss the Geminids, there's one more chance in 2021 to see meteors. They often fly in spurts, but there could be lulls when you see no meteors at all.
![meteoroid gemini meteoroid gemini](http://stat.ameba.jp/user_images/20140901/20/jishubanclub/45/11/j/o0480064013053516566.jpg)
Don't look directly at Gemini, the shower's radiant point you'll miss some of the amazing tails associated with this wintertime favorite.
![meteoroid gemini meteoroid gemini](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b9bLyb50NDIWnj-5p6csYk7mLnI=/0x0:2500x1737/1520x0/filters:focal(0x0:2500x1737):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7632953/GettyImages_470781398.jpg)