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Geminids 2025 meteor shower peaks with up to 50 per hour this weekend

Chuva de meteoros
Chuva de meteoros - FlashMovie/shutterstock.com

The Geminidas meteor shower reaches peak activity on December 14, 2025, around 5 pm (Brasília time). The phenomenon will be visible throughout the Brasil for two consecutive nights, with greater intensity between Saturday night (13) and Monday morning (15).

Favorable conditions include Lua in the thin waning phase, which only rises after midnight, reducing interference from lunar light. In places with dark skies, observers can record up to 50 meteors per hour at their most intense.

The peak occurs when Terra crosses the densest region of the dust trail left by asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

When and where to observe at Brasil

High activity begins on the night of December 13th. Entre 0am and 4am on Sunday morning (14), an average of 40 to 45 meteors per hour is expected in places away from light pollution.

The best time of night from Sunday to Monday (14th to 15th) is between 11pm and 2am, when the radiant – the apparent point of origin of the meteors – is highest in the sky. Nesse interval, the rate can reach 50 meteors per hour.

After the dawn of the waning Lua, around 2:30 am, the number drops to 35 to 45 per hour, still considered excellent.

chuva de meteoros Geminidas
meteor shower Geminidas – Genevieve by Messieres/Shutterstock.com

How to identify the Geminidas meteors

The Geminidas meteors are known for their moderate speed and yellowish or greenish color. Muitos leave persistent traces lasting several seconds.

The radiant is in the constellation Gêmeos, close to the star Castor. Porém, meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.

  • No telescope or binoculars required
  • The wider the field of view, the greater the number of meteors seen
  • Position yourself with your back to Lua to reduce glare

Best observation sites in the country

Inland and mountainous regions offer ideal conditions due to low light pollution. Exemplos include:

  • Serra da Mantiqueira (SP/MG)
  • Fields of Jordão and São Bento of Sapucaí
  • Region of São Thomé of Letras (MG)
  • Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)
  • Interior of Rio Grande of Sul and Santa Catarina

In large capitals, peripheral neighborhoods or parks far from the center, it is still possible to observe dozens of meteors per hour.

Practical tips to take advantage of the phenomenon

Arrive at the observation site at least 30 minutes in advance so your eyes can adapt to the darkness.

Bring a reclining chair or mat to gaze at the zenith in comfort.

Wear appropriate clothing for low morning temperatures, especially in Sul and Sudeste.

Avoid looking at cell phone screens; white light destroys night adaptation in a few seconds.

Why 2025 is an exceptional year for Geminidas

The combination of the thin waning Lua with the peak occurring over the weekend makes 2025 one of the best and most favorable editions of the decade.

In recent years, full or nearly full Lua has coincided with the rain maximum, drastically reducing the visibility of weaker meteors.

In 2025, only very bright meteors (bolidos) may be eclipsed after moonrise, maintaining a high rate until dawn.

Geminidas is considered the most consistent meteor shower of the year, with stable activity even in average sky conditions.

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