Geminids 2026: peak, rates and where to look
The Geminids are active from December 4 to December 20 and peak around December 14. At best, about 150 meteors per hour can be seen under a dark sky. They enter the atmosphere at 35 km/s and come from debris shed by 3200 Phaethon.
PeakDecember 14
ZHR150
Speed35 km/s
Moon at peak22%
| Active | December 4 – December 20 |
|---|---|
| Radiant | Twins (Gemini), +32° |
| Parent body | 3200 Phaethon |
| Meteors per hour (ZHR) | 150 |
| Best seen from the Northern Hemisphere |
Next peak
| Year | Peak | Moon at peak |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mon, December 14 | 22% |
| 2027 | Tue, December 14 | 99% |
| 2028 | Wed, December 13 | 7% |
| 2029 | Thu, December 13 | 61% |
| 2030 | Sat, December 14 | 85% |
IMO GEM. Peak: λ☉ = 262.2°.