Meteor shower guide

Geminid Meteor Shower: December Viewing Guide

The Geminids are often one of the strongest annual meteor showers, peaking in December.

Quick facts

Use these cues first, then confirm the pattern in the AR viewer.

Best method

Start with the brightest nearby objects, then compare Geminids with the AR overlay.

Location matters

Altitude and direction change with latitude, longitude, date, and time.

Alignment tip

If the phone compass drifts, adjust the heading controls until a known star pattern lines up.

When to watch

The Geminids usually peak in mid-December. Cold clear nights and a dark sky improve your chances.

Where to look

The radiant is near Gemini, but meteors can streak across many parts of the sky.

Use AR for orientation

Open the AR viewer to find Gemini and the radiant region, then scan the whole sky without staring at the phone.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers for common skywatching questions before opening the AR viewer.

Can I find Geminids from a city?

Often yes if the key stars or object are bright enough, but haze, buildings, and light pollution can hide fainter details.

Why can the AR overlay be slightly offset?

Mobile compass readings can drift near metal, cases, cars, and buildings. Use a known bright object to tune the heading offset.

Does my location change the result?

Yes. The same object can be high, low, or below the horizon depending on your location and the current time.

Related sky guides

Use these pages to move from reading into the AR viewer with better context.

Interactive star map

Learn how date, time, and location shape the sky above you.

Read more

Visible tonight

Check planets, the Moon, and bright objects before opening AR.

Read more

How to use AR

Understand camera, orientation, and compass alignment in the viewer.

Read more

Open AR to find Geminids

Use the browser sky map to compare Geminids with the real sky from your location.

Find Geminids radiant in AR