We got duped on the Northern Lights this week because they didn’t pan out, and now it looks like we might get cheated out of the best meteor shower of the year because of clouds.
This weekend, the Geminid meteor shower hits its peak as Earth passes through the trail of debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
The shower is expected to be particularly good this year, with very little moonlight interfering with the dark skies needed to spot the streaking shooting stars. But the forecast isn’t cooperating.
NASA predicts the shower will peak overnight on Sunday into the wee hours of Monday.
If it clears a little, you can expect to see meteors all night.
For the best viewing, find a location away from bright lights, lie flat on the ground with your feet pointing south and look up. They’ll appear to radiate from near the constellation Gemini.
NASA also mentions that it takes about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the dark, so give yourself time, and don’t ruin your night vision by looking at a bright phone screen.