Mother Nature is bringing celestial festivities to the final weeks of 2023 with the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers gracing December nights. Stargazers should mark December 13 for the vibrant Geminids and December 21, which hosts the Ursids’ peak alongside the winter solstice.

Meteor showers, also known as “shooting stars,” are streaks of light formed when meteoroids, fragments of asteroids or comets, enter Earth’s atmosphere. These showers occur as Earth passes through clusters of space debris, with the peak marking the highest meteor encounter.

December’s meteor showers:

• Geminid meteor shower: Active until December 24, known for its reliability, delivering up to 120 bright meteors per hour. The peak on December 13-14 promises optimal conditions with a 1% moon, offering a spectacular display from 9 or 10 p.m. onwards.

• Ursid meteor shower: Active from December 13-24, less abundant than the Geminids, producing 5-10 meteors per hour, occasionally exceeding 25. Peak night on December 21-22 coincides with the winter solstice, adding a touch of seasonal magic.

For meteor shower viewing:

• Choose a location with clear, dark skies, away from urban lights.

• Dress warmly for winter temperatures and bring a sleeping bag.

• Lie or sit back, allowing 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to witness the meteor shower’s brilliance.

Next up: The Quadrantids will kick off the new year’s stargazing on the overnight of January 3-4.