Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend — how to watch

The annual Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak this weekend, giving stargazers the opportunity to observe what is often one of the best and most reliable displays of shooting stars of the year.

The meteor shower has been active for more than a week, but it is expected to reach peak activity Saturday and Sunday evening, according to NASA.

Shooting stars are visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres, although Geminids tend to be brighter and more common north of the equator due to the direction from which they stream into the night sky.

Under ideal conditions – clear weather and minimal light pollution – skywatchers could see up to 120 Geminid meteors per hour, according to NASA.

Geminids are known for producing bright, colorful fireballs that streak through the night sky.

For prime viewing, go outside between midnight local time and the early hours of the morning. Look toward the eastern sky, toward the constellation Gemini.

The moon won’t interfere with this year’s Geminids show, as it will only be about 26% illuminated when it rises.

Meteor showers occur when Earth’s orbital path passes through clouds of small rocks, dust, and other debris that burn when they hit the planet’s atmosphere. Most meteor showers are caused by the remains of comets, but the Geminids come from the remains of an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.

The Geminids’ attractive colors – ranging from yellow to red and even greenish hues – are due to the chemical composition of asteroid debris.