Last chance to catch the 2025 Geminid meteor shower as UK skies darken under crescent Moon

Skywatchers in Britain have one final opportunity to glimpse the 2025 Geminid meteor shower tonight, with forecasts suggesting as many as 150 shooting stars an hour at its peak. The Geminids are notable not only for their brightness but also for their multi-colored trails, a feature that has drawn attention from observers as the night unfolds. Unlike many meteor streams that originate from icy comets, the Geminids are created by debris shed from 3200 Phaethon, a rocky body sometimes described as a rocky asteroid or “rock comet.” The resulting meteors are usually bright and relatively fast, and this year they are expected to light up skies across the United Kingdom as darkness settles in.

The Royal Greenwich Observatory notes that Geminid meteors can appear in a range of colors—white, with hints of yellow, and occasional greens, reds or blues—color variations caused in part by traces of metals such as sodium and calcium. The showers typically deliver between 120 and 160 meteors per hour at their peak, and with the Moon in a thin crescent phase at about 26% of full brightness, skywatchers should enjoy darker conditions for viewing tonight. In recent days, photographers have captured long-exposure sequences across landscapes—from Stonehenge to North Macedonia—showing meteors streaking across the sky and the surrounding constellations in sharp focus.

As the peak nears the end of its run, observers are reminded that the best viewing tends to come when you have a wide, unobstructed view of the sky, well away from light pollution. Dr Shyam Balaji of King’s College London notes that the best viewing time for the Geminids is around 2 a.m. local time when the radiant point—the area in the sky from which the meteors appear to emanate—is highest in the sky, though stargazers can start watching from mid-evening onward. In good viewing conditions, observers might see upwards of 100 shooting stars per hour, or about one every minute; if the sky is less favorable, the rate will be markedly lower.

Experts emphasize that under clear skies the experience hinges on broad, dark horizons and a long, relaxed viewing session. Dr Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, advises viewers to lie back to maximize the field of view and to find a location free of urban lighting. Cloud cover, light pollution and unsettled weather can sap the spectacle, so observers should prepare for possibly rapid changes in conditions and allow time for their eyes to adapt to the darkness.

Forecasters with the Met Office warn that rain and strong winds are moving from the southwest toward Wales and Northern Ireland, with slower movement into other parts of the country. Low cloud and hill fog could roll in from the southeast, with only Scotland likely to see drier skies. The night is expected to be mild, but the weather could complicate viewing in coastal and exposed areas. Those planning to watch are advised to check local conditions, seek a dark, high point with an unobstructed view, and bring warm clothing and blankets to stay comfortable if they need to remain outside for extended periods.

The Geminids reached their peak earlier in December, around December 14, but the shower continues to fade gradually as Earth moves away from the dense trail of debris. Tonight’s viewing provides one last, potentially strong window for those who have been waiting for the annual spectacle. After the Geminids, stargazers can turn their attention to the Ursid meteor shower, which peaks on December 22, offering another chance to catch bright meteors under a dark sky.

For anyone hoping to maximize their chances, the advice remains consistent: pick a dark site, let your eyes adjust to the darkness for 20–30 minutes, and avoid viewing through heavily light-polluted areas. Bring a thermals or layers, a reclining chair or blanket to lie back, and a thermos of a warm drink to make the experience more comfortable as you scan the sky for fleeting, multicolored streaks that can appear in seconds before fading into the night. While the current forecast suggests that some viewers in parts of Britain may contend with rain or cloud, those who can locate a window of clearer skies may still be rewarded with a memorable Geminid display tonight.