Catch Falling Stars: How to Make the Most of This Weekend's Geminid Meteor Shower!

This weekend, stargazers are in for a treat as the Geminid meteor shower peaks, offering a dazzling display of shooting stars. Known for their bright and colorful meteors, this celestial event could light up the night sky with an impressive 60 to 150 meteors per hour—if conditions are just right. However, if you’re in the California Central Valley, there’s a twist: fog is expected to blanket the area, potentially ruining your view.

For those determined to catch a glimpse of this cosmic spectacle, a little planning is essential. To escape the fog, head to elevations above 1,500 to 2,000 feet, where the skies are clearer and darker. The ideal viewing time will be late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, particularly between 1 and 3 a.m. Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and enjoy a cozy evening under the stars. Remember to look to the east as you wait—the radiant point of the Geminids will be shining bright, lighting up the sky like a celestial fireworks show.

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just a fan of nature’s light shows, this weekend’s meteor shower is a perfect reason to step outside and connect with the cosmos. It’s not every day that you can witness meteors streaking across the night sky, so don’t miss this spectacular event!