Geminid meteor shower 2023: When and how to see it in Victoria

One of the “biggest and best” cosmic events of the year is set to light up Australian skies overnight. Find out when and how you can catch a glimpse of the Geminid meteor shower in Victoria.

The largest meteor shower of the year will light up Victoria in the early hours of Friday morning.

This year’s dazzling event, the Geminid meteor shower, is set to be one of the biggest and best.

Amateur astronomer Ian Musgrave said this is because, unlike previous years, the meteor shower coincides with a new moon – when the sun and moon are aligned and the moon isn’t visible to the naked eye.

“The sky will be extra dark. The darker it is, the more beautiful it will be,” he said.

This year’s dazzling event, the Geminid meteor shower, is set to be one of the biggest and best. Picture: Andrew Cooney.

This particular meteor shower occurs when the earth moves through the dust and debris of an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon.

Dr Musgrave said usually Australia passes through the thickest part of the dust cloud during the daytime, making it harder to see the meteors.

“This year the peak is occurring before sunrise so we will see a lot more meteors. With no moon and a particularly dark sky, this may be the best shower Australia has seen in a long time,” he said.

“I’m hoping the weather cooperates and the clouds and rain stay away.”

Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy at the University of Melbourne Duane Hamacher said the best time to see the meteor shower in Victoria will be on Friday morning around 3am, with upwards of 35 meteors per hour.

Stargazers wanting to catch a glimpse of the show should look towards the constellation Gemini – in the northeastern part of the sky.

The meteor shower occurs when the earth moves through the dust and debris of an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. Picture: Paul Balfe

Associate Professor Hamacher said it’s best to go somewhere dark and clear, and give your eyes time to adapt to darkness.

“You’re going to have better visibility the further away you are from the city and bright lights,” he said.

“If you’re living in more urban areas, try staying away from street lights or building lights.

“Also give your eyes time to adjust to the dark.”

He said Victorians should head out an hour before to watch the show unfold.

“Grab a beanbag or swag and make yourself comfortable – you may need to sit outside for a little while before you see something – but it will all be worth it,” he said.

“They don’t come like clockwork. You’ll have spaces of time where you don’t see many, then they’ll all come in a flurry.”

Dr Musgrave said Geminid meteors are easier to see than others because they are often slower and brighter.

“Aussies have a good chance of seeing them across the sky – they can almost look like fireworks,” he said.