Every December the northern hemisphere is rewarded with a gorgeous star show. The Geminids meteor shower is our most active and dependable annual shower that gets bigger every year. Although we’ll need to bundle up to view it, this meteor shower will inspire you to plan a camping trip this weekend!

Things will be looking up this weekend - and hopefully that includes you!
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The most dependable meteor shower of the year will be peaking on December 14th, 2019. The Geminids meteor shower occurs throughout the first three weeks of the month but the finale is definitely what you want to plan around. People have been observing this active and consistent shower since 1862!
This year won't be the perfect viewing conditions but the night is promising to be jaw-dropping.
Getty Images/Wesley Hitt
Unfortunately we will be having a full moon during the peek which will diminish visibility but the meteors will still be showering strong. At peak conditions up to 60 meteors/hour can be seen over Arkansas. This year that number will be between 20-30 but it will still be one of the heaviest meteor showers we've had all year.
Geminids is a rather unique shower because of its origin source.
Flickr/Jeff Sullivan
The grand majority of meteor showers come from comets but not Geminids! This and one other shower are the only ones to originate from an asteroid. The 3200 Phaethon asteroid that generates Geminids is quite special since its orbit comes closer to the sun than any other named asteroid.
Every Arkansan will love looking up and catching one of these meteors but those born between May 21st through June 21st will be especially delighted.
Getty Images/ bjdlzx
The radiant of the shower takes place around the star called Castor which is located within the Gemini constellation (hence the name). Regardless if you know your sign, the Geminids meteors are stunning to view. These meteors travel slower than most other meteors so they're easier to spot.
You'll definitely need to bundle up this weekend but the Geminids meteor shower will be well worth the wintry camping trip.
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
Take time to roll out sleeping bags in the backyard or plan a full weekend retreat to the woods to observe this beautiful star show. The American Meteor Society recommends taking at least an hour to view the shower since the meteors naturally wax and wane about every 15 minutes. For more technical facts about the upcoming shower you can visit the society's website right here.

We would love to see your starry pics in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

For the best viewing spots take a trip to either one of these sites or at Arkansas’ own Dark Sky Park.

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