The annual Geminid meteor shower takes place from 4th December to the 16th December. In 2023, the peak activity is expected on the evening of the 14th December into the early hours of the 15th December.
This particular meteor shower is well known for putting on a good show compared to others with the potential of seeing up to 120 meteors per hour. The best time to spot them is during the early morning hours from midnight through to dawn.
What is a meteor shower?
Meteor showers occur as the Earth travels around the Sun when it passes through large clouds of dust left over by the tails of comets or debris from asteroids. Meteors, also known as shooting stars, are tiny dust particles no bigger than a grain of rice that disintegrate through friction as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. This process causes the energy of the dust particles (in the form of mass) to be converted into heat and light causing them to glow brightly as they streak across the sky.
Why are they called the Geminids
The Geminids meteor shower is named after the constellation Gemini from where the meteors appear to radiate from. If you see a shooting star and can track the path back to Gemini, that’s a Geminid! The dust particles that create the Geminids are a product of debris left over from asteroid “3200 Phaethon”. Geminids are renowned for their bright display and sometimes appear as green flashes due to the material they are made up of.
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Best locations to see the Geminids
The best places to see them will be somewhere away from our light polluted towns at a location that has a wide open expanse of skies free of obstructions on the horizons. Rather than staring at any single point use your peripheral vision to scan as much of the sky as possible and your eyes will be automatically drawn to any shooting stars. As always wherever you choose to go first tell someone where you are going, wrap up warm, take some hot drinks and be patient!
In 2023 the peak of activity takes place around the New Moon period so the skies will be nice and dark for meteor spotting. It’s well worth planning ahead finding a suitable dark sky location to observe from.
We hope you have found this little guide useful! Good luck spotting them!
Clear skies!
Public stargazing events from the 13th December to the 16th December
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 18:00pm to 19:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Stargazing with the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers – December 2023
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 18:00pm to 22:00pm
Regent's Park Hub, London, NW1 4RY
More info
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Geminid Meteor Shower Viewing in Tomintoul
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 20:00pm
Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre, Tomintoul, AB37 9ET
More info
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Leighton Observatory Open Evening
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Leighton Observatory - Pex Hill, Widnes, WA8 5QW
More info
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See the Geminids meteor shower at Sutton Bank Star Hub
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:30pm
Sutton Bank Star Hub, Thirsk, YO7 2EX
More info
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Stargazing at Breakwater Country Park – December 2023
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Breakwater Country Park, Anglesey, LL65 1YG
More info
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Cranborne Chase Astronomy Club meeting or observing
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 19:15pm to 21:00pm
Grosvenor Arms Hotel - Shaftesbury, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JA
More info
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Leeds Astronomical Society meeting
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Quaker Meeting House - Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9DX
More info
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Stargazing at Mugdock – December 2023 (Marvellous Meteors)
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Mugdock Country Park, Milngavie, G62 8EL
More info
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Stargazing Evening at Ansty PYO & Farm Shop
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Ansty Pick Your Own and Farm Shop, Salisbury, SP3 5PX
More info
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See the Geminids with Plymouth Astronomical Society
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Wembury - National Trust, West Wembury, PL9 0AY
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Wednesday 13th December 2023 from 20:30pm to 23:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Broughton By Night – Stargazing and Wellbeing
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 17:30pm to 21:00pm
Broughton Sanctuary, Skipton, BD23 3AN
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 18:00pm to 19:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Astrocampus Observing Evening – Autumn 2023
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 19:30pm
Astrocampus - University of York, York, YO10 5NA
More info
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Stargazing at Walthamstow Wetlands: Comets, Meteors and Asteroids
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
Walthamstow Wetlands, London, N17 9NH
More info
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Stargazing in Dalby Forest with Astro Dog
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
Dalby Forest Courtyard, Thornton-le-Dale, YO18 7LT
More info
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Beginners Stargazing at Alexandra Park
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 18:45pm to 19:30pm
Alexandra Park - Poole, Poole, BH14 9EW
More info
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Cygnus Observatory public open evening
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Cygnus Observatory at Washington Wetland Centre, Washington, NE38 8LE
More info
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Liverpool Young Astronomers Club
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 20:30pm
Leighton Observatory - Pex Hill, Widnes, WA8 5QW
More info
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Manchester Astronomical Society weekly meeting
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Blackett Lecture Theatre, Manchester, M13 9PL
More info
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See the Geminids at Cassiobury Park
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 23:00pm
Cassiobury Park Hub, Watford, WD18 7LB
More info
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Skies and Pies at Brockholes
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston, PR5 0AG
More info
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Starquest Astronomy Club meeting and stargazing
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Sutton Veny Village Hall, Sutton Veny, BA12 7AP
More info
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Swansea Astronomical Society meeting
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:15pm to 21:15pm
IQ Building - University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea, SA1 8EW
More info
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Northumberland Astronomical Society meeting
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and Observatory, Amble, NE65 0JR
More info
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Observation evening with Torbay Astronomical Society
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Torquay Boys Grammar School & Observatory, Torquay, TQ2 7EL
More info
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Strictly Come Stargazing at Failand Observatory
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Failand Observatory, Near Wraxall, BS8 3US
More info
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Usk Astronomical Society weekly meeting
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
The Grange - Usk, Usk, NP15 1AB
More info
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Informal observing evening with Crayford Manor Astronomical Society
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:45pm to 21:30pm
The Parsonage Lane Pavilion and Observatory, Dartford, DA4 9HD
More info
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Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society Meeting
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 19:45pm to 22:00pm
Swinton Bottom Club, Swinton, S64 8AU
More info
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Geminid Meteor Spotting in Bagworth
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Bagworth Working Men's Club, Bagworth, LE67 1BJ
More info
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Geminids Meteor Shower at Cresswell Village hall
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:30pm
Cresswell Village Hall, Newcastle, NE61 5LD
More info
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Isle of Wight Observatory open night
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:30pm
The Isle of Wight Observatory, Newchurch, PO36 0LX
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 20:30pm to 23:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Friends of the Marlborough Telescope observing session (Geminids)
Thursday 14th December 2023 from 22:00pm to Friday 15th December 2023 00:00am
Blackett Observatory, Marlborough, SN8 1PA
More info
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Geminid meteor shower stay and gaze
Friday 15th December 2023 from 15:00pm to Saturday 16th December 2023 11:00am
High House Barn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE20 0RG
More info
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Weekend stargazing break at Dittisham Hideaway
Friday 15th December 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 17th December 2023 15:00pm
Dittisham Hideaway, Dartmouth, TQ6 0JB
More info
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Planets, meteors and stargazing
Friday 15th December 2023 from 17:00pm to 18:00pm
Ramsgate Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate, CT11 0HE
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Friday 15th December 2023 from 18:00pm to 19:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Winter Astronomy: Anniversary of Caroline’s 5th comet
Friday 15th December 2023 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath, BA1 2BL
More info
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Stargazing at High Force Waterfall
Friday 15th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
The High Force Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
More info
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Stargazing in Dalby Forest with Astro Dog
Friday 15th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
Dalby Forest Courtyard, Thornton-le-Dale, YO18 7LT
More info
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Wiltshire Astronomical Society observing session (back up)
Friday 15th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 21:30pm
Lacock Playing Fields, Chippenham, SN15 2LQ
More info
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Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank
Friday 15th December 2023 from 18:45pm to 21:45pm
Sutton Bank Star Hub, Thirsk, YO7 2EX
More info
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Ingram Valley Astronomy Evening
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 22:00pm
The Star Barn - Ingram Valley, Alnwick, NE66 4LU
More info
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Airdrie Astronomical Association club meeting
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
New Wellwynd Church - Airdrie, Airdrie, ML6 0AG
More info
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Brough Observatory informal open evening
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm
Brough Observatory, Brough, HU15 1BB
More info
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Mid-Cheshire Astronomical Group meeting & observing
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Norley Parish Centre, Norley, WA6 8NE
More info
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Rosse Observatory public open evening
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
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Stargazing at High Force Waterfall
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
The High Force Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
More info
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Stargazing Evening at Howe of Torbeg
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Howe of Torbeg, Ballater, AB35 5XL
More info
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The York Astronomical Society meeting & observing
Friday 15th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Beetle Bank Farm, Murton, YO19 5XD
More info
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Cambridge Astronomical Association speaker meeting
Friday 15th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm
Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, CB3 0HA
More info
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Geminids Meteor Shower at OM Dark Sky Observatory
Friday 15th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH
More info
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Geminids Night Photography Photo Walks
Friday 15th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:30pm
White Wells Car Park, Ilkley, LS29 9JS
More info
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Milton Keynes Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 15th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Rectory Cottages - Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK63 6BJ
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Friday 15th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Friday 15th December 2023 from 20:30pm to 23:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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The Geminid Meteor Shower Photography
Friday 15th December 2023 from 22:00pm to Saturday 16th December 2023 12:00pm
Box Hill - National Trust, Tadworth, KT20 7LB
More info
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Sherwood Observatory Public Open Evening – December 2023
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 17:30pm to 22:30pm
Sherwood Observatory and Science Discovery Centre, Mansfield, NG17 5LF
More info
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Stargazing at High Force Waterfall
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 17:30pm to 19:30pm
The High Force Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 18:00pm to 19:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Stargazing at Holworthy Farm (and Geminids meteors)
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 21:00pm
Holworthy Farm, Dulverton, TA22 9NY
More info
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Stargazing in Dalby Forest with Astro Dog
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
Dalby Forest Courtyard, Thornton-le-Dale, YO18 7LT
More info
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Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 18:45pm to 21:45pm
Sutton Bank Star Hub, Thirsk, YO7 2EX
More info
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Stargazing at Great Notley Country Park
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:15pm
Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, CM77 7FS
More info
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Norman Lockyer Observatory Open Evening
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 19:15pm to 22:15pm
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, EX10 0NY
More info
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Meteors and Meanders – a night walk to view the Geminid’s
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm
Saltergate Car Park, Pickering, YO18 7NR
More info
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Shropshire Astronomical Society meeting and stargazing
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm
Rodington Village Hall, Shrewsbury, SY4 4QS
More info
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Stargazing at High Force Waterfall
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
The High Force Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
More info
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Strictly Come Stargazing at Failand Observatory
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Failand Observatory, Near Wraxall, BS8 3US
More info
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The Astronomy Centre Public Open Evenings
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm
The Astronomy Centre, Near Todmorden, OL14 7HP
More info
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Kenley Observatory Public Open Evening
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Norman Fisher Observatory at Kenley, Kenley, CR8 5EP
More info
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Kenley Observatory Public Open Evening
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Norman Fisher Observatory at Kenley, Kenley, CR8 5EP
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Saturday 16th December 2023 from 20:30pm to 23:30pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
Where to see the Geminid meteor shower in 2023
How to see the Milky Way in the UK
Where and when to see the Perseid meteor shower in 2023
Jupiter and Venus conjunction - March 2023
Stargazing event notifications