Geminid Meteor Shower Set to Light Up Night Skies Across the Arab World Tonight

Skywatchers across the Arab world are in for a celestial treat as the Geminid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular and reliable meteor displays of the year, reaches its peak this weekend.

The Geminids occur annually around December 14, and this year the best viewing window stretches from late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday morning. The shower is active from December 4 to 17, with peak activity in 2025 forecast at around 08:00 GMT on Sunday, December 14. Thanks to favourable conditions, strong meteor activity is expected well before and after the exact peak time.

Renowned for their bright, slow-moving streaks, Geminid meteors travel at about 35 kilometres per second, making them visible for longer than many other meteor showers. Under dark skies, observers may see up to 120 shooting stars per hour, although light pollution in urban areas could reduce sightings to around 10 meteors an hour.

This year’s display is further enhanced by minimal moonlight, which will improve visibility and allow fainter meteors to be spotted more easily. Astronomers recommend watching from 9:00 pm onwards, ideally from a dark location away from city lights. While the meteors appear to radiate from the Gemini constellation, viewers are advised to scan the entire sky rather than focusing on a single point.

The Geminids originate from debris left behind by 3200 Phaethon, an unusual object that behaves like a comet. As Earth passes through this debris stream, tiny particles burn up in the atmosphere at altitudes of around 100 kilometres, producing brilliant streaks of light across the sky.

While the meteor shower poses no risk to people on the ground, scientists note that even microscopic fast-moving particles can cause damage to satellites in orbit.

For astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike, tonight offers a prime opportunity to witness one of nature’s most dazzling sky shows just look up and enjoy the spectacle.