Londoners are in for a spectacular show this week as the Geminid meteor shower peaks across the country.

This year, the Geminid shower will last until Sunday, December 17 but will reach its peak in the coming days.

According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the meteors "of the Geminid meteor shower are very bright, moderately fast, and are unusual in being multi-coloured – mainly white, some yellow and a few green, red and blue."

What's set to be one of the last meteor showers of 2023, the Geminid is not to be missed - find out how you can see it in London.

When does the Geminid meteor shower peak in London?

The Geminid meteor shower lasts from Monday, December 4 until Sunday, December 17 with the shower's broad peak set to take place on Thursday, December 14 from around 7pm.

During its peak, more than 100 medium-slow meteors per hour will shoot across London's night skies.

The best places to see the Geminid meteor shower in London

According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, they suggest that you'll want to be away from light pollution, best in a wide open space where you can see the night sky with your eyes.

Luckily, there are several spots in London perfect for those wanting to catch a glimpse of the Geminid meteor shower.

Here are some of the best places to view the shower:

  • Blackheath Common
  • Hampstead Observatory
  • Primrose Hill
  • Ruislip Lido
  • Royal Observatory Greenwich

Where do the Geminids come from?

The Geminids are set apart from other meteors because of their origin, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich

While most meteors originate from comets, the Germinids are leftover bits from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.

Unlike comets, asteroids don't develop tails when approaching the Sun with the Geminids said to radiate from near the star of Castor in the constellation Gemini.