After the Perseids in August, which provided a frenetic parade of shooting stars visible to the naked eye, and the Leonids in November, it is now possible to observe another astronomical phenomenon in the skies over Lisbon: the Gemini star shower.
According to the specialized website Starwalk, the Geminids are visible from December 4 to 20, with their peak of activity predicted for December 13 to 14 (Saturday and Sunday, respectively), with an estimated average number of 120 to 150 meteors per hour. This rate of activity, combined with the fact that they travel at 35 kilometers per second, makes them one of the most intense star showers of the year.
Where did the Geminids get their name?
As well as being one of the most intense meteor showers of the year, the Geminids are also the penultimate, followed by the Ursids, scheduled from December 17 to 26.
However, before we say goodbye to the star showers of 2025, we still have the chance to enjoy one of the most prolific of all: the Geminids. The origin of the name of this astronomical phenomenon is related to what seems to be the only point of origin – the radiant of the constellation of Gemini.
Tips to enhance observation
To make the most of observing the Gemini, it’s important to follow a few tips, which, together with the approach of the New Moon phase, can provide the best conditions.
With regard to the most suitable places for observation, it is necessary to look for places without light pollution and with an unobstructed horizon .
For those staying in the center of Lisbon, other options could be viewpoints, terraces or unobstructed open spaces. However, the best thing is to avoid cloudy nights and ‘escape’ light pollution, especially in the capital.
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