There’s going to be a meteor shower in Illinois this month that is worth staying up for all night or setting your alarm for. This annual event is the most spectacular show that the night sky puts on, and it’s sure to be one of the best times for stargazing in Illinois. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or just like trying to identify constellations, this is going to be a treat for everyone. Continue reading to learn all about the Geminid meteor shower in Illinois.

No matter what part of Illinois you reside in, you may have a chance to see the Geminid meteor shower between December 14-15, 2022.

flickr/Brian Tomlinson

Everyone is hoping it will be a clear night for this annual celestial event. Though the entire world will have access to the show, the northern hemisphere is projected to get the best views.

flickr/Lukas Schlagenhauf

The peak viewing time for Illinois and all states is about 2 a.m. For those in areas with no light pollution, it is estimated that more than 100 meteors will be witnessed per hour.

flickr/Mike Lewinski

The meteors look like giant, bold, and bright streaks of light in the sky. They are quick, so watchers need to keep their eyes to the skies.

flickr/Paul Balfe

Known as the highlight of the meteor season, the Geminid meteor shower in Illinois is going to be very special this year. The celestial event is especially unique because it is associated with an asteroid rather than a meteor.

flickr/Rocky Raybell

The asteroid is known as 3200 Phaethon and it orbits the Sun at a rate of 1.4 years. The astronomical event is named for the constellation in the sky from which it seems to come.

NPS/NASA Typically, it seems that the higher the Gemini constellation is in the sky, the more lights you’re bound to see.

If you head out in the middle of the night to witness this extraordinary event, be sure to dress accordingly. It is most likely that the majority of the state will be experiencing freezing temperatures at this time.

Wikimedia Commons/Geminid Meteor

For more like this, check out these eight space-themed attractions in Illinois.

flickr/Brian Tomlinson

flickr/Lukas Schlagenhauf

flickr/Mike Lewinski

flickr/Paul Balfe

flickr/Rocky Raybell

NPS/NASA

Typically, it seems that the higher the Gemini constellation is in the sky, the more lights you’re bound to see.

Wikimedia Commons/Geminid Meteor

Are you looking forward to the Geminid meteor shower in Illinois? Have you seen it in previous years? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!

Looking for even more surreal beauty in Illinois? Check out our list of stunning places in Illinois you thought only existed in your imagination.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Illinois, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Geminid meteor shower in Illinois December 02, 2021 Beth C. What are the best natural attractions in Illinois? Here are some of the best natural wonders in Illinois:

Garden of the Gods Rock Cave at Cave-In-Rock State Park Cache Natural River Area Starved Rock State Park

  If you’re a fan of the natural world, you’ll love exploring the diverse landscapes and natural wonders hiding throughout the state of Illinois. Many people may not realize that the state is home to so many fascinating outdoor attractions. While Illinois may not have dramatic coastlines or proximity to the ocean, it more than makes up for it in stunning lakefront scenery, rolling farmlands, and beautiful forests. Some of the top natural attractions in Illinois include the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Cave-in-Rock Matthiessen State Park in North Utica, Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Cache River Natural Area in Belknap, Garden of the Gods in Herod, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Anderson Japenese Gardens in Rockford, and Inspiration Point in Wolf Lake. How many of these beautiful natural wonders in Illinois have you experienced? What are some hidden gems in Illinois? There are so many great hidden gems in Illinois:

Shawnee Natural Forest Farnsworth House Lake Shelbyville

  Now that you’ve learned about some of Illinois’ most famous natural attractions, it’s time to dive deeper and explore the state’s hidden gems. Fortunately, we have a ton of recommendations for you. Some of these places include the Slammer Bed & Breakfast, Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park, Kishauwau Country Cabins, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, Mascoutah Steak House, Port Edward, Makanda, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Abandoned iron furnace in Rosiclare, and Havencrest Castle. How many of these hidden gems in Illinois have you experienced? Looking for even more places to discover? We’ve outlined the 16 reasons Illinois is the very best state in the country…see if you agree with our findings!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Geminid meteor shower in Illinois

December 02, 2021

Beth C.

What are the best natural attractions in Illinois? Here are some of the best natural wonders in Illinois:

Garden of the Gods Rock Cave at Cave-In-Rock State Park Cache Natural River Area Starved Rock State Park

  If you’re a fan of the natural world, you’ll love exploring the diverse landscapes and natural wonders hiding throughout the state of Illinois. Many people may not realize that the state is home to so many fascinating outdoor attractions. While Illinois may not have dramatic coastlines or proximity to the ocean, it more than makes up for it in stunning lakefront scenery, rolling farmlands, and beautiful forests. Some of the top natural attractions in Illinois include the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Cave-in-Rock Matthiessen State Park in North Utica, Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Cache River Natural Area in Belknap, Garden of the Gods in Herod, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Anderson Japenese Gardens in Rockford, and Inspiration Point in Wolf Lake. How many of these beautiful natural wonders in Illinois have you experienced? What are some hidden gems in Illinois? There are so many great hidden gems in Illinois:

Shawnee Natural Forest Farnsworth House Lake Shelbyville

  Now that you’ve learned about some of Illinois’ most famous natural attractions, it’s time to dive deeper and explore the state’s hidden gems. Fortunately, we have a ton of recommendations for you. Some of these places include the Slammer Bed & Breakfast, Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park, Kishauwau Country Cabins, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, Mascoutah Steak House, Port Edward, Makanda, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Abandoned iron furnace in Rosiclare, and Havencrest Castle. How many of these hidden gems in Illinois have you experienced? Looking for even more places to discover? We’ve outlined the 16 reasons Illinois is the very best state in the country…see if you agree with our findings!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Here are some of the best natural wonders in Illinois:

  • Garden of the Gods
  • Rock Cave at Cave-In-Rock State Park
  • Cache Natural River Area
  • Starved Rock State Park

 

If you’re a fan of the natural world, you’ll love exploring the diverse landscapes and natural wonders hiding throughout the state of Illinois. Many people may not realize that the state is home to so many fascinating outdoor attractions. While Illinois may not have dramatic coastlines or proximity to the ocean, it more than makes up for it in stunning lakefront scenery, rolling farmlands, and beautiful forests. Some of the top natural attractions in Illinois include the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Cave-in-Rock Matthiessen State Park in North Utica, Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Cache River Natural Area in Belknap, Garden of the Gods in Herod, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Anderson Japenese Gardens in Rockford, and Inspiration Point in Wolf Lake. How many of these beautiful natural wonders in Illinois have you experienced?

What are some hidden gems in Illinois?

There are so many great hidden gems in Illinois:

  • Shawnee Natural Forest
  • Farnsworth House
  • Lake Shelbyville

Now that you’ve learned about some of Illinois’ most famous natural attractions, it’s time to dive deeper and explore the state’s hidden gems. Fortunately, we have a ton of recommendations for you. Some of these places include the Slammer Bed & Breakfast, Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park, Kishauwau Country Cabins, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, Mascoutah Steak House, Port Edward, Makanda, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Abandoned iron furnace in Rosiclare, and Havencrest Castle. How many of these hidden gems in Illinois have you experienced? Looking for even more places to discover? We’ve outlined the 16 reasons Illinois is the very best state in the country…see if you agree with our findings!