Much of New Hampshire’s beauty can be seen on the ground, but every once in a while you need to look to the skies for something truly spectacular. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled and alarm clocks set for the annual display of the Geminid meteor shower. Here’s everything you need to know.

What are the Geminids?

Brian Tomlinson/Flickr The Geminids are a shower of slow-moving meteors that are visible from Earth every December. They can appear anywhere within the night sky, and most often appear with a yellowish hue. They were first observed in 1862, and have been increasing in intensify each year. So, provided the skies are clear, they should put on a pretty good show.

Where do the Geminids come from?

Getty Images The Geminids may have originated from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon. This asteroid may have collided with another object, which resulted in the particles we see today as the meteor shower. Scientists are keeping a eye on 3200 Phaethon as its trajectory around the sun every 1.4 years puts it within close distance (cosmically speaking) to Earth.

When can I see the Geminids?

Getty Images The Geminid meteor shower usually happens between November 19 and December 24. In 2022, it is due to peak on December 13-14. You’ll need to set an alarm as the height of the display will be around 2 a.m. local time.

Where do I look in the sky for the Geminids?

Mike Lewinski/Flickr The meteor shower is best seen in the northern hemisphere, so here in New Hampshire we are in luck. From our position on Earth, the meteors appear to emerge from the direction of the Gemini contellation. This is a good place to start gazing, but the shower will appear all across the night sky, so be sure to keep looking around.

How can I see the Geminids?

Getty Images For the best viewing experience, you’ll need to get away from any artificial light pollution and out to a dark rural area. Special gear like a telescope or binoculars may be helpful, but they aren’t required. As long as you can view a wide expanse of the sky, you’re good. Allow at least a half hour for your eye to adjust to the darkness. Then just lie back and enjoy the show.

Will the moon affect the viewing experience?

Paul Williams/Flickr This year, it might. The moon is predicted to be quite bright at the height of the shower. While some larger meteors could still be visible, more of the smaller, fainter ones will be difficult to see.

If night skies over New Hampshire are your thing, also check out this tiny house where you can sleep beneath the stars. Have you seen the Geminids in past years? Share your viewing tips in the comments.

Brian Tomlinson/Flickr

The Geminids are a shower of slow-moving meteors that are visible from Earth every December. They can appear anywhere within the night sky, and most often appear with a yellowish hue. They were first observed in 1862, and have been increasing in intensify each year. So, provided the skies are clear, they should put on a pretty good show.

Getty Images

The Geminids may have originated from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon. This asteroid may have collided with another object, which resulted in the particles we see today as the meteor shower. Scientists are keeping a eye on 3200 Phaethon as its trajectory around the sun every 1.4 years puts it within close distance (cosmically speaking) to Earth.

The Geminid meteor shower usually happens between November 19 and December 24. In 2022, it is due to peak on December 13-14. You’ll need to set an alarm as the height of the display will be around 2 a.m. local time.

Mike Lewinski/Flickr

The meteor shower is best seen in the northern hemisphere, so here in New Hampshire we are in luck. From our position on Earth, the meteors appear to emerge from the direction of the Gemini contellation. This is a good place to start gazing, but the shower will appear all across the night sky, so be sure to keep looking around.

For the best viewing experience, you’ll need to get away from any artificial light pollution and out to a dark rural area. Special gear like a telescope or binoculars may be helpful, but they aren’t required. As long as you can view a wide expanse of the sky, you’re good. Allow at least a half hour for your eye to adjust to the darkness. Then just lie back and enjoy the show.

Paul Williams/Flickr

This year, it might. The moon is predicted to be quite bright at the height of the shower. While some larger meteors could still be visible, more of the smaller, fainter ones will be difficult to see.

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