The Geminids meteor shower is peaking. Here’s how to watch in NC

The Geminids meteor shower, one of the best celestial light shows of the year, peaks in mid-December. Here’s how to find the optimal “dark sky” spots to watch it in NC.

The final supermoon of the year isn’t the only astronomical treat that Western North Carolina stargazers will enjoy in December 2025.

The Geminids meteor shower, peaking each year in mid-December, is considered by many – including NASA ―to be one of the most beautiful and reliable meteor showers of the year. NASA explains that in the mid-1800s, when the Geminids first appeared, the shower produced only 10-20 meteors per hour.

Since that time, however, the shower has grown to become one of the most notable meteor showers of the year, with up to 120 meteors visible at its peak under perfect viewing conditions. The meteors are “bright and fast,” according to NASA, and tend to be yellow in color.

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Here’s what to know about how to catch the shower this year, plus info on another, smaller shower just before Christmas and more.

When does the Geminids meteor shower peak?

The Geminids meteor shower, which the Old Farmer’s Almanac calls the “biggest meteor shower of the year,” peaks Dec. 13-14. The shower brings 75 meteors per hour at its peak, according to the almanac.

How to see the Geminids meteor shower

Unlike last year, when the Geminids peaked during the full Cold Moon, the 2025 shower will peak when the moon is only about 30% full, providing a better view of the meteors for stargazers.

Astronomy website EarthSky.org adds that, while the shower will be spectacular at any time of night this year due to the lower level of moonlight during peak dates, stargazers willing to stay up until around 2 a.m. may be able to see “earthgrazer” meteors, which are particularly memorable as they move slowly, traveling horizontally across the sky and leaving a long-lasting trail.

When is the Ursids meteor shower?

Additionally, in December, the Ursids meteor shower peaks around Dec. 22, just before Christmas. Though it isn’t as spectacular as the Geminids shower, producing only a few meteors hourly according to the almanac, short bursts of higher activity aren’t unheard of.

How to see the Ursids meteor shower

The Ursids fall during a waxing crescent moon, which will be only 6% full, making for optimal viewing this year. The meteors originate from the northern section of the sky, associated with the Tuttle comet.

Dark sky areas in North Carolina

DarkSky International is a U.S nonprofit that maintains a list of designated dark sky communities around the world, including 165 in the United States.

Here are the NC locations listed on the DarkSky.org map, including several in the Western region of the state:

• Cape Lookout National Seashore, 1800 Island Road, Harkers Island, NC, 28531
• Mayland Earth to Sky Park, 66 Energy Exchange Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714
• Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC 28772
• The Swag, 2300 Swag Road, Waynesville, NC, 28785
• Cataloochee Ranch, 119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

When is the December 2025 full moon?

You’ve already missed it. December’s full Cold Moon reached peak illumination on Dec. 4, 6:14 p.m.

Was there a supermoon in December?

Yes, December’s full moon was the third and final supermoon of 2025.

Reporting by Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times / Asheville Citizen Times

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect