The Boldest And Biggest Meteor Shower Of The Year Will Be On Display Above Kentucky In December

Kentucky is a dream destination for stargazers, with Mammoth Cave National Park boasting some of the darkest skies in the country. And this December, there's even more reason to get out and look up, as the 2022 Geminid meteor shower will be visible over the Kentucky skies, and it's a can't-miss cosmic spectacle.

Here in Kentucky, we know that there are worlds of wonder beneath our feet. Mammoth Cave is the world's longest underground cavern system, but that's not all -- it's also one of the best International Dark Sky Parks on the planet.

Recently designated an official IDSP, Mammoth Cave National Park is the first National Park Service operated site *and* Dark Sky Place in Kentucky, and it’s well-earned: the stargazing here is nothing short of extraordinary -- especially for viewing meteor showers.

This December, the Geminid meteor shower will blaze over the skies of the Bluegrass. Scientists call this meteor shower the best in the heavens, producing 120 multicolored meteors at the peak! Most meteor showers are caused by comets; however, the Geminid meteor shower is unique in that it's caused by an asteroid. Produced by debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon discovered in 1982, it runs from Dec. 7-17.

In Kentucky, folks can expect the Geminid meteor shower to peak around Dec. 13 and 14, 2022.

While winter moonlight will wash out some of the faintest meteors, the Geminids are so bright and bountiful, they should still offer Kentucky stargazers a good show.

When was the last time you let yourself experience awe and wonder? It's really something we ought to do more.

The holiday season is one of magic and miracles, and this year's Geminids are certainly part of the experience! So this December, look up and allow yourself to experience this magnificent meteor shower in Kentucky.

Have you seen the Geminid meteor shower before? What's your favorite place to go for stargazing in Kentucky? We urge you to get out and look up this December, to experience *the* meteor shower of the year in Kentucky.