Oman to Witness Peak of Geminid Meteor Shower on 13–14 December

Oman Stargazers Prepare for Spectacular Geminid Meteor Display

Muscat: The skies of the Sultanate of Oman are set to witness the peak of the Geminid meteor shower on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, 13–14 December, marking one of the most prominent annual astronomical events. Forecasts indicate highly favourable viewing conditions during the period before moonrise.

Qasim bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Head of the Meteorology and Astronomy Photography Committee at the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said that this year’s Geminid meteor shower is expected to be among the best in recent years, noting that the moon will be in its last quarter phase with about 40 percent illumination. “This will allow for darker skies before it rises at 12:50 a.m.,” he explained.

Al Busaidi added that the Geminids are known for their abundance and clear meteor paths, with theoretical rates reaching up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The meteors often display yellow and green hues, resulting from the combustion of chemical elements such as magnesium and sodium upon entering the atmosphere.

He pointed out that recent studies published in 2024 and 2025, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope and Japan’s DESTINY mission, confirmed that asteroid 3200 Phaethon contains sodium gas that vaporizes significantly as it approaches the Sun. This vaporization releases the dust particles responsible for producing the Geminid meteor shower, explaining the meteors’ distinctive yellow-green color.

Al Busaidi noted that Geminid meteors appear relatively slower, entering the atmosphere at about 35 km per second. This allows for long, graceful arcs that can last for up to two seconds before fading at altitudes between 70 and 100 kilometers.

He further explained that the radiant point of the Geminids gradually rises in the constellation Gemini throughout the night, producing a unique spectacle between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. During this period, observers may see very long meteors crossing the entire horizon—known astronomically as Earth-grazers—which are among the most beautiful features of this meteor shower.

In addition to the Geminids, several bright stars will be visible in the night sky, including Regulus, Sirius, Aldebaran, Capella, the stars of Gemini and Taurus, as well as the Pleiades cluster. Planets will also be observable, led by Venus with its distinctive bright white glow—the brightest celestial body after the Sun and Moon. Jupiter will also be visible, though smaller in appearance due to its greater distance from the Sun, along with Saturn, known for its golden hue and prominent rings.

Regarding optimal viewing conditions, Al Busaidi advised observers to choose dark locations away from light pollution and obstacles such as tall trees, and to look toward the eastern horizon before dawn. He emphasized that this event offers an excellent opportunity for amateur astrophotographers to capture striking images featuring Geminid meteors alongside other celestial objects visible during this period.

He concluded that the Geminid meteor shower is among the astronomical events that can be observed easily with the naked eye, without the need for telescopes or special equipment.