Put your eyes to SC skies for one of the best & reliable meteor showers. Here’s when, how to watch
Don’t forget to take a look up at the sky this weekend or you may miss the Geminid meteor shower.
The annual Geminids is one of the best and most reliable meteor showers of the year, according to NASA. The 2024 shower will produce the greatest number of meteors on Dec. 13 and 14 in the Lowcountry.
The Geminid meteor shower began on Nov. 19 and is expected to continue lighting up the sky until Christmas Eve. Peak activity will happen this Friday night into Saturday morning when 120 meteors per hour are possible to see under the right conditions.
According to the American Meteor Society, the peak of the Geminid meteor shower this year will arrive with a 90% illuminated Waxing Gibbous moon, with the full moon occurring just a few days later on Dec. 15. This means that viewers have a chance to see up to 150 meteors per hour at peak times if there are clear skies.
What are the Geminids?
The American Meteor Society states that the Geminids are usually the strongest meteor shower of the year and the one major shower that provides good activity before midnight.
The Geminids are often bright and intensely colored, most commonly yellow.
A nearly full moon can reduce the number of meteors seen, but if the skies are clear, you can still see many bright meteors by facing in a direction with the moon at your back.
How and when can I see them?
To see the Geminid meteor shower, look toward the northeast, in the direction of the constellation Gemini.
The best way to spot meteors is to find a dark spot away from city lights.
The ideal time to watch the Geminid shower pass overhead in the Lowcountry is between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. The entire northern hemisphere is expected to get a good view of these meteors.
What are some good spots to watch from?
Hunting Island: 2555 Sea Island Parkway
What better way to way to watch the meteor shower than at one of the most popular parks in South Carolina? At night there are no landmarks to block your view unless you count the Hunting Island Lighthouse.
Edisto Beach State Park: 8377 State Cabin Road
Known for its rich history, enjoy the views of the Geminids from this perfect island oasis. You can even stay on the nearby campgrounds to make stargazing a true outdoor adventure.
Capers Island: 50 41st Avenue
Just 15 miles from Charleston, Capers Island is a great spot to see the sky. Being an island only accessible by boat, you’re bound to have a clear view.
Burkes Beach: 60 Burkes Beach Road.
Relax on the beach while gazing at the stars at Burkes Beach. It’s the ideal spot because there’s nothing to block your view.
Coligny Beach: 1 North Forest Beach Drive
As one of the most popular beaches in Hilton Head, Coligny Beach offers a good view of the night sky for avid beach-goers.
For more information about South Carolina park locations, visit their website.
