Will the Geminid meteor shower be visible over London this weekend? These are the best spots to see it

Londoners will be able to see the Geminid meteor shower across the capital’s skies over the weekend.

One of the last major showers of the year, city locals can expect to see colourful and bright meteors fly across the nighttime skies of the capital later in the week.

The shower, which is made from leftover bits and pieces of the asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, gets its name as it appears to radiate from a star in the constellation of Gemini.

At its peak, Geminid meteor showers have previously been known to produce over 150 meteors per hour but factors including light pollution and weather may limit the amount you actually see.

Here’s everything Londoners hoping to see the 2024 Geminid meteor shower in the capital need to know.

When will the 2024 Geminid meteor shower be visible in London?

The shower will be visible in the city’s skies up until December 20. However it will be at its peak this weekend specifically in the early hours of Saturday.

What time will the 2024 Geminid meteor shower be visible in London?

The peak of the meteor shower will become visible from Friday mid evening. But the best time to watch it will be in the early hours of Saturday around 2am.

Where to watch the 2024 Geminid meteor shower in London

Those hoping to get a glimpse of the meteor shower in the capital won’t have to worry about getting a telescope, as it will be visible to the naked eye. However, both weather and light pollution could end up obstructing the lunar spectacle.

While London is one of the most light-polluted spots in the country, it’s still possible to stargaze. City dwellers may be able to catch a glimpse of the partial lunar eclipse if they head to a higher vantage point, such as a rooftop or even a local park.

There are a number of spots throughout London in which locals and visitors may be able to see the shower. One of the most renowned spots is Morden Hall Park in South London, but Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park could also offer clear views.

London weather forecast for 2024 Geminid meteor shower

According to the Met Office, the skies are set to be overcast during the meteor shower peak in the capital across Friday evening and Saturday morning.

But despite the expected clouds, there may still be moments throughout the evening and early hours in which the shower is visible.

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