**The Geminids Peak: 150 Meteors Per Hour Tonight**

# This is your Astronomy Tonight podcast.

Good evening, stargazers! On this date, December 13th, we have a truly spectacular astronomical event to celebrate—one that happens every single year and never fails to dazzle us with nature's most brilliant cosmic fireworks.

**The Geminids Meteor Shower peaks around December 13th!**

Now, here's where it gets really interesting. The Geminids are often considered the *best* meteor shower of the entire year—and I mean that seriously. We're not talking about a few sleepy meteors drifting across the sky like cosmic confetti that's been sitting in a box since last Christmas. No, no, no. We're talking about a full-blown celestial light show with rates that can reach **150 meteors per hour** under pristine, dark-sky conditions!

What makes the Geminids particularly special is their source: asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Unlike most meteor showers, which come from comets, the Geminids originate from this rocky object that orbits closer to the Sun than any other named asteroid—so close that it actually heats up and sheds particles like a cosmic dandruff factory. It's basically the troublemaker of the asteroid belt, leaving a trail of debris that we plow through every December like running through a celestial sprinkler.

And here's the fun part: these meteors are *slow*. Moving at about 22 kilometers per second, they make their grand entrance across our sky with style and grace, often leaving luminous trains that can persist for seconds after the meteor itself is gone. They're colorful too—brilliant yellows, blues, and reds dancing across the darkness. It's nature's own light show, and the admission price is free. You just need clear skies and a little patience.

So tonight, bundle up, find a dark location away from city lights, and look up toward the constellation Gemini. Your neck might get a little stiff, but your soul will thank you.

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Thank you for listening to another Quiet Please Production. Clear skies, everyone!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI