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Geminids meteor shower 2026 and 2027
The Geminids are active 4 – 20 December each year, with a peak rate of about 150 meteors an hour under perfect dark skies. They come from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. In 2027 the peak falls on 14 December, with bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
Geminids peak dates for the UK
Peak times are worked out from the Sun's position along its path (the solar longitude the International Meteor Organization gives for the peak), so they are accurate to within a few hours. Real peaks can arrive early or late. 'Best time' is the hour when the radiant is highest while the sky is properly dark.
| Year | Peak (UK time) | Moon at peak | Best time from London |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mon 14 December (around 04:52 GMT) | Waxing crescent, 22% lit | 02:00 GMT, radiant about 71° up |
| 2027 | Tue 14 December (around 10:43 GMT) | Waning gibbous, 99% lit | 02:00 GMT, radiant about 71° up |
What to expect
The rate of about 150 an hour is the zenithal hourly rate, a figure for a perfectly dark sky with the radiant overhead. From a UK garden you will usually see a third to a half of that, fewer near towns or under moonlight. Geminids enter the atmosphere at about 35 km per second.
The radiant near Castor and Pollux is up from early evening, so the Geminids are good before midnight too, which makes them the best shower for families.
History and origin
The richest annual shower, and one of only two major showers from an asteroid rather than a comet. Geminids are slow, bright and often coloured. Rates have grown over the past century.
The meteors are specks of dust shed by asteroid 3200 Phaethon. When Earth crosses that dust each year, the grains burn up about 80 to 100 km overhead.
How to watch
- Find somewhere away from streetlights, ideally with a wide view of the sky. Our UK dark sky spots by county list designated places near you.
- Give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt, and keep your phone on a dim red screen.
- Lie back on a reclining chair and look about two-thirds of the way up the sky, not straight at the radiant.
- Dress for twice as cold as you expect, and bring a hot drink.
- Check the moon calendar for the phase, and the weather forecast for cloud.
Folklore and tradition
Shooting stars have long been seen as signs. A common British wish custom is to make a wish before the meteor fades and keep it secret. Others saw them as souls passing, or as a sign of good luck for the year. We share these as folklore, part of why people have always loved a night under the stars.
For a night under the stars
Questions answered
When do the Geminids peak in 2027?
Around 14 December 2027, near 10:43 GMT UK time. Watch the nights either side too.
How many Geminids will I see?
The peak rate is about 150 an hour under perfect skies. From a typical UK site, expect a fraction of that, depending on darkness and moonlight.
Will the moon spoil the Geminids in 2027?
At the 2027 peak the moon is 99% lit (waning gibbous), so expect bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
What causes the Geminids?
Dust from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, burning up as Earth passes through it.
Do I need a telescope to see the Geminids?
No. Meteors move too fast and across too much of the sky. Your eyes are the best instrument.
Key facts (summary)
- The Geminids are active 4 – 20 December each year, with a peak rate of about 150 meteors an hour under perfect dark skies.
- Around 14 December 2027, near 10:43 GMT UK time.
- The peak rate is about 150 an hour under perfect skies.
- At the 2027 peak the moon is 99% lit (waning gibbous), so expect bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
- Dust from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, burning up as Earth passes through it.
- No.
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