The Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week

One of the best meteor showers of the fall season, and of the year, peaks this week.

The night sky over Maine will be brightened by the Geminid meteor shower December 13-14. This is one of the most reliable meteor showers, and usually easily seen. The "Gems" create long, bright, streaks in the night sky. This is because they hit Earth's atmosphere at a relativity slow speed, about 79,200 MPH. Compared to the speed of Orionid meteors, at around 147,600 MPH.

The best viewing is around 2 a.m.

This year the nearly full moon will wash out the night sky, so only the brightest Geminids will be visible. According to Space.com, expect around 20-30 per-hour.