Geminid meteor shower 2024: everything to know about this year's meteor shower

Wish upon a star to end the year – or better yet, a meteor shower. Every November and December, us earthlings are blessed with the Geminid meteor shower, known as the best and brightest of the year. And it's just about to peak. 

Radiating from the Gemini constellation, this 200-year-old meteor shower is known to produce dazzling meteors that rain down relatively slowly (making them all the easier to spot). However, the Geminids are getting stronger. Space.com reports NASA astronomer Bill Cooke saying that it is being tugged ever-closer to earth by Jupiter's gravity. 

What's great about this meteor shower is that you can catch it from anywhere in the world, no telescopes or binoculars required. Read on to see when, where, and how you can catch this celestial phenomenon in Asia. 

What is the Geminid meteor shower?

Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminids do not originate from a comet, but from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. It was first observed in 1862, much later than other meteor showers like the Perseids (36 AD) and the Leonids (902 AD). Considered the most consistent and active shower, the Geminids produce up to 120 to 160 meteors at its peak. 

When can you see the Geminid meteor shower?

The Geminid meteor shower is active between November 24 and December 24. However, the best time to see it is during its peak on December 13 and 14. 

What time is best to see the Geminid meteor shower?

Be in position by 2am local time, when the shower's radiant (the constellation it appears to emanate from) is at its highest point in the sky. This year, the meteor shower's peak coincides with a 90% illuminated waxing gibbous moon, so do check your local moonrise times – the lesser the moonlight, the higher your chance of seeing the Geminid meteor shower in its full glory. 

The best places in Asia to watch the Geminid meteor shower

For the best chance of seeing the Geminid meteor shower, you need a place with dark skies and unobstructed views. Anywhere near without tall buildings and trees or bright city lights should do, but if you're down to travel to chase some meteors, consider these top destinations by Agoda:

• Mount Bromo, Indonesia: With clear skies and minimal light pollutio, Mount Bromo is a popular stargazing spot. You can book a 4WD drive up the mountain, or be ambitious about it and trek up on your own two feet. 
• Khao Sok National Park, Thailand: This pristine national park is home to the gorgeous Cheow Larn Lake. Ringed by floating raft houses and luxury glamping tents, it's a wonderful spot to spend the night and watch a meteor shower.
• Ishigaki Island, Japan: Ishigaki Island is Japan's first Starry Sky Reserve thanks to its stable atmosphere and lack of artificial light. Join a stargazing tour or a night cruise – you can also head to hotspots like Tamatorizaki Observatory or Kabira Bay to watch the meteor shower. 

The best ways to watch the Geminid meteor shower

Thankfully, you don't need any special equipment to see the meteor shower. All you have to do is find the darkest place you can, and settle in to allow 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Locate the Gemini constellation but don't stare directly at it. Instead, relax your gaze and take in the constellations around Gemini – meteors further from their radiant are brighter and have longer trains.