Dozens of shooting stars expected over the Netherlands this weekend
The Netherlands is set for a natural show this weekend as the Geminid meteor shower promises potentially dozens of shooting stars per hour. The skies may light up during the night of Sunday, December 14, into Monday, December 15, with more than 80 meteors visible per hour in dark locations, according to Weerplaza.
The meteors appear to radiate from the Gemini constellation, but in reality, they consist of tiny particles of rock and dust from the asteroid Phaethon. Each December, Earth passes through this debris cloud, creating the annual phenomenon.
Unlike other meteor showers that disappointed some this year due to low activity or cloud cover, the Geminids are expected to deliver a bright and concentrated show.
“The peak of the Geminids is very sharp, lasting about 24 hours,” Weerplaza noted. “Although some activity can be seen in the days before and after, the night of the 14th offers the best chance to witness the spectacle.”
Observers are advised to find a dark location outside city lights to see the faint meteors, which are easily washed out by urban illumination. For optimal viewing, look to the southern sky at the start of the night to locate the radiant in Gemini.
If you cannot immediately spot Gemini, find the bright “star” nearby—actually the planet Jupiter—or locate the Orion constellation; Gemini is just above its upper left.
