Geminid meteor shower 2022: what is it, how to watch it in Bristol, peak time - Met Office weather forecast

Stargazers in Bristol are ready as the UK is set to welcome the Geminid meteor shower this week. As long as the weather is clear r, it should be visible in the South West of England.

As one of the last meteor showers of the year, it is also regarded as one of the more active with a peak rate of 150 meteors per hour. The Geminid meteor shower is considered to be one of the more spectacular with brightly multicoloured meteors that are mainly white, some yellow, and a couple that are red, blue and green.

Geminids meteors radiate from the bright star of Castor in the Gemini constellation. It was first observed in 1862 and streams from debris left behind by 3,200 Phaethon, which makes it one of the few meteor showers that does not originate from a comet.

In what could be bad news for people across not just Bristol but the entire UK, it could be far less visible than normal in 2022. The waning gibbous Moon is expected to rise around the peak time of the meteor shower and its light would drown out the dimmer meteors.

According to experts, Geminids are considered to be intensifying year on year, so long as the Met Office has forecast clear skies in Bristol - which is not likely given recent heavy snowfall, as well as icy and frosty conditions - people will have a good chance to spot them. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the Geminid meteor shower.

When is the Geminid meteor shower and what is the peak time in Bristol?

The Geminid meteor shower takes place throughout most of December in the United Kingdom, mainly from December 4 to December 20. Though the peak time for Bristolians is on Tuesday (December 13) and Wednesday (December 14).

How to watch the Geminid meteor shower in Bristol

Fear not - specialised gear or equipment are not required if you wish to spectate the Draconid meteor shower in Bristol. All you need to observe the Geminid meteor shower is a clear sky and bucket loads of patience.

The best time to watch meteor showers typically is just after midnight and before daybreak. Make sure to get to your location 30 to 45 minutes before and make sure you are comfortable - it is likely that you might need to wait a while.

Met Office weather forecast in Bristol for the Geminid meteor shower

• Tuesday, December 13: Cloudy for a large majority of the day, sunny intervals expected between 2pm and 3pm. Potential rainy weather at 1pm and 6pm. Clear skies not expected throughout the day (2℃).
• Wednesday, December 14: Cloudy skies all day. Dry conditions (2℃).