Geminid meteor shower: Cloudy conditions expected for the western US
The peak happens between 2 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 14.
The Geminid meteor shower will be most visible late Monday into early Tuesday morning.
The shower, which happens every December, will be overnight from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14. The peak occurs between 2 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 14.
According to NASA, the moon will be almost 80% full on Dec. 14, which won't be ideal for viewing the shower. However, it will set around 2 a.m. leaving time to view the shower without the moon's brightness.
Portions of the country won't have a chance to see the meteor shower as a thick cloud cover will be present. The Southeast should have clear conditions.
Cloud cover forecast for the Geminid meteor shower.
(FOX Weather)
While Atlanta won't have clouds, their temperatures will be quite cold as you step outside to view the shower.
Temperature forecast for the Geminid meteor shower.
While the Geminid meteor shower doesn't get as much attention as the summertime Perseid meteor shower, Michael Shanahan, planetarium director of the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, said it's likely because the Geminids happen during the colder months. Still, if skygazers are willing to brave the cold, the show is worth it.
"You have better chances of getting a really good view of these streaks of light than from most of the regular annual meteor showers," Shanahan said.
Shanahan said you don't need any special equipment to view the shower. Getting away from city lights will help to view the shooting stars, but staying up late for the main event will be the most challenging part.