Geminid meteor shower radiant

Geminid meteor shower

A Great Year for the Geminids

It’s December and that means one of the best celestial events will grace the skies. The Geminid meteor shower should peak in a moonless sky between Wednesday and Thursday, December 13–14.

Orionid composite

Explore the Night with Bob King

All About the Dust — Orionids and Zodiacal Light

It doesn't take much to create a spectacle when it comes to astronomical observation. Just a pinch or two of dust.

Geminid fireball

Solar System

U.S. Space Force Releases Data on Bright Fireballs

The U.S. Department of Defense has released data on some 1,000 bright fireballs. Scientists are still debating if the data confirm an interstellar meteor.

Explore the Night with Bob King

Fantastic Year for Geminid Meteor Shower

Mark the date: December 13th. That's the night the Geminid meteor shower peaks. Highlighted by the return of its parent asteroid 3200 Phaethon, this year's show promises to be one of the best ever.

Leonid fireball from 2001

Celestial News & Events

Ultimate Guide to Meteor Showers in 2017

Everyone enjoys the brief and sometimes dazzling streaks of light from meteors, sometimes called "shooting stars." Sky & Telescope predicts that the two best meteor showers in 2017 will be the Quadrantids in early January and the Geminids in mid-December.

Perseid meteor

Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques

How to Photograph a Meteor Shower: Capturing the Perseids

Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with these step-by-step instructions, as well as advice for the advanced imager.

Explore the Night with Bob King

Is There Such a Thing as a Random Meteor?

Meteor showers like the Perseids get all the press. But have you ever wondered where all the random meteors come from? We explore their origins.  We've all seen them. The sporadics. Those random meteors that flash across the sky on any old clear night. If you were to make a…

Celestial News & Events

Perseids vs. Moonlight: Which Will Prevail?

This month's usually dependable Perseid meteor shower competes with a nearly full Moon. If you can find a dark viewing location, you might see a bright meteor every few minutes.