Hot Take: Why the Geminids never disappoint

One of the Northern Hemisphere's biggest and most dependable meteor showers has just reached its peak – the Geminids have put on a spectacular display.

So, why all the excitement over a meteor shower? Because the Geminids are not only beautiful but also reliable. Along with the Quadrantids in January and the Perseids in August, they make up the "big three" meteor showers in the Northern Hemisphere.

And the numbers explain why. The Geminids can reach a zenithal hourly rate of about 150. This means that under ideal conditions, you might see up to 150 shooting stars per hour.

The Geminids can be seen in both hemispheres, but they are usually brighter and more frequent north of the equator, because of the way they streak across the night sky.

Most meteor showers come from comets, but the Geminids are caused by a near-Earth asteroid. Every year around mid-December, Earth passes through debris spread along its orbit, and that's when the sky lights up.

And if you missed this one, don't worry. Another show, the Quadrantid meteor shower, will peak on the night of early January next year.

(Cover image by Yu Peng)