Astronomers predict that this year’s Geminid meteor shower will provide one of the greatest cosmic displays in recent memory, with generally clear to partly cloudy skies predicted over a large portion of the United States.

NASA predicts that on Wednesday night, the 3200 Phaethon asteroid—a 3.17-mile-wide space rock orbiting Earth at a distance of more than 6.4 million miles—will shoot debris that resembles shooting stars.

According to Bart Fried, executive vice president of the Amateur Astronomers Association in New York, “the forecast looks very favorable, and that is everything.”

According to Fried, observers may witness as many as 120 meteors per hour shooting across the sky in some areas of the county. However, in locations such as brilliantly illuminated New York City, amateur astronomers could observe up to 30 meteors every hour, or one every two minutes during peak hours, according to Fried.

He stated that between Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET and Thursday at 1 a.m., will be the optimal times to see the meteor shower.
“Avoid using telescopes or binoculars. This is undoubtedly an observable event, according to Fried. “Close your eyes and relax. Let the work be done by your peripheral vision.”

According to Fried, the best meteor shower of the year will be enhanced by a new moon.

Fried stated, “This is a 1% moon, almost no moon.” “In terms of light pollution, you want to go to the darkest sight you can find.”

NASA states that the Northern Hemisphere should provide the finest view.
Fried suggested visiting a park or beach for the best stargazing.
“Go to a sight where you have a good horizon,” Fried advised. “You don’t want towering trees all around you. It is not desirable to have tall structures all around you.”

Fried, a 50-year amateur astronomer, advised packing a lawn chair and wearing warm clothing as well, “because you’re going to be sitting still for a while.”
In order to accommodate individuals who wish to witness the meteor shower, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation stated that numerous state parks on Long Island, including Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park, will be open late on Wednesday and into Thursday.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service predicts generally clear skies above New York and along the Eastern Seaboard.

The Geminid meteor shower, which is regarded as one of the most consistent of the year, happens every December when Earth travels through a large dusty debris trail left behind by a 3200 Phaethon. According to Fried, the material burns up when it enters the Earth’s atmosphere.
According to Fried, the Geminid meteors get their name from the constellation Gemini, which is where they seem to originate.