What is the Geminid Meteor Shower; when and where to see this in India? |

The Geminid Meteor Shower is a spectacular annual celestial event that produces bright “shooting stars” streaking across the night sky. Most meteor showers originate from comets, however, the Geminids are unusual because their particles come from an asteroid – 3200 Phaethon. And because of this, the fact that asteroids are rockier and denser than comet dust, Geminid meteors tend to be brighter and slower than those from many other showers, making them easier to see and more visually striking. Though best seen from the Northern Hemisphere, the Geminids are visible from much of the Southern Hemisphere too, making it a global event for stargazers. The Geminids are active for several weeks every December. In 2025, the shower begins around early December and continues through about December 20–21, giving plenty of opportunities to catch some meteors.Read more: Top 10 most beautiful countries in the world

When to see the Geminid Meteor Shower in 2025

The peak, when the greatest number of meteors can be seen, is on the night of December 13 into the early morning of December 14, 2025. This is when observers worldwide, including in India—should plan to watch.

Best viewing times:

Late night to pre-dawn hours: Meteor rates are typically highest from midnight to around 4:00 AM local time during the peak.It’s also possible to see meteors earlier in the night once it’s fully dark, because the radiant rises and gets higher as the night goes on.Even on nights just before and after the peak, you can still see many meteors, just usually fewer than at the absolute maximum.Read more: Why I felt so ashamed and mortified as a tourist before the monks at Khecheopalri Lake

What to expect

Meteors seem to radiate from the Gemini constellation, specifically near the star Castor. You don’t need binoculars or a telescope, your naked eyes are the best tool because meteors can appear anywhere across the wide sky. You don’t want to waste your time trying to locate it through a telescope or the lens of your camera.

How to see the Geminids:

Here’s how to get the most out of your viewing experience:#Reduce light pollution: Go to a dark location far from city lights, places like open fields, hilltops, rural roads, or open parks.#Stay comfortable and patient: Meteor watching is a waiting game. Bring a blanket or reclining chair so you can lie back comfortably, keep your eyes on the broad sky, and wait for meteors.#Let your eyes adjust: Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark. Best is to allow your eyes at keast 10 minutes of complete darkness. This can be done by avoiding looking at phone screens or bright lights once you start observing.

Best places to watch in India

While meteors can be seen from anywhere with a clear sky, some places in India offer better chances due to their darker skies and wide horizons. For instance, higher elevations like Himalayan foothills, Nilgiris, Western Ghats, or Shillong Plateau often have clearer, darker skies above light-polluted city air. Fields, open meadows, and rural village areas away from major cities will also let you view the sky with minimal light contamination.The Geminids aren’t just a spectacle, they’re one of the best meteor showers of the year and a highlight for anyone who loves looking up at the night sky. So bundle up, find a dark spot, and look up!