Geminids Meteor Showers Peak Under Moonless Skies Across Japan

The geminids meteor showers, one of the three major annual meteor displays and the most prolific of the year, reached their peak on the night of Dec. 14–15, offering favorable viewing conditions across Japan.

Peak Timing and Viewing Conditions

According to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the peak of the geminids meteor showers was expected around 5 p.m. on Dec. 14. With a moonless night, conditions were ideal for observation from evening until about 3 a.m. on Dec. 15. These circumstances allowed observers to watch meteors without interference from moonlight.

Observations at Mount Myogi

At Mount Myogi in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, meteors from the geminids meteor showers began appearing after 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 as the Gemini constellation rose in the eastern sky. At 7:53 p.m., a particularly bright fireball streaked toward the rugged mountain, drawing attention from observers in the area.

Characteristics and Outlook

Although the geminids meteor showers fall more slowly than the Perseids seen in summer, recent years have produced many bright meteors with lingering light trails resembling afterimages. Meteors were still visible on the night of Dec. 15, though in significantly fewer numbers than the previous night. The meteors originate from dust shed by the asteroid Phaethon, which orbits the sun every 1.43 years and measures about 6 kilometers in diameter. In 2026, the peak is expected when Gemini is high in the late-night sky, again under moonless conditions.

The geminids meteor showers peaked under near-perfect viewing conditions on Dec. 14–15, with moonless skies and notable bright meteors observed in Gunma Prefecture. While activity diminished the following night, the event once again highlighted why the Geminids are regarded as the most prolific meteor shower of the year.

Thought you’d like to know

What are the geminids meteor showers?
The geminids meteor showers are one of the three major meteor showers observed each year. They are known for producing a high number of visible meteors annually. The event is considered the most prolific meteor shower of the year.

When did the geminids meteor showers peak this year?
This year, the geminids meteor showers were expected to peak around 5 p.m. on Dec. 14. The best viewing occurred during the moonless night extending into early Dec. 15. Meteor activity decreased after that period.

Where were the geminids meteor showers observed in Japan?
The geminids meteor showers were observed at Mount Myogi in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture. Meteors became visible after 7 p.m. as the Gemini constellation rose. A bright fireball was seen at 7:53 p.m.

Why are the geminids meteor showers distinctive?
The geminids meteor showers are distinctive for their slower-moving meteors compared with the Perseids. Many produce bright streaks of light known as meteor trails. These trails can linger briefly after the meteor passes.

What causes the geminids meteor showers?
The geminids meteor showers are caused by dust from the asteroid Phaethon. This asteroid orbits the sun every 1.43 years and is about 6 kilometers in diameter. The dust creates meteors as it enters Earth’s atmosphere.