Best places to watch Geminids meteor shower in Perth as ‘natural fireworks show’ set to light up skies

Perth’s night sky is set to light up in a “natural fireworks show” this weekend, as the Geminids meteor shower is scheduled to spark up the dark.

The Geminids, which are active every year in early and mid-December, are characterised by their colourful and radiant showers and will be visible nation-wide this weekend.

Where are the best places to see the Geminids meteor shower from Perth?

Perth Observatory tour administrator Matt Woods says there are plenty of places around the metropolitan area where viewers can see the meteors, but will be more visible the further out from the city.

“Places like the South Ledge Lookout at Mundaring Weir, Point Peron, Rottnest Island, and Lake Leschenaultia are close to the city, and you should see a decent number of meteors,” Mr Woods said.

“To get the full amazing experience, you do have to travel out to some of our amazing Central Wheatbelt, any rest area will do and believe me, it is worth it.”

Sunday will be the best night to see the meteors, but they’ll also be visible between Saturday, December 13 and Tuesday, December 16.

Keen meteor-chasers might be in for a late night — the shower will be visible between 10pm Sunday night and 2am Monday morning WST.

Macquarie University associate professor in astrophysics Devika Kamath says the Geminids are one of the most “reliable” and “spectacular” meteor showers of the year, and are renowned for their rainbow tones lighting up our sky.

“Under dark skies, they can produce over 100 meteors per hour,” Prof Kamath said.

“Most meteor showers come from comets, but the Geminids are different: they come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, [and] that rocky origin is thought to contribute to their bright, often colourful meteors, which can appear yellow, green or reddish.

“The meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Gemini, near the bright stars Castor and Pollux, which is why the shower is called the Geminids.”

Will I need a telescope to see the Geminids meteor shower?

You won’t need a telescope to see the colourful shower, according to Professor Kamath — they’ll be so bright you’ll be able to see them with your naked eye.

“The best approach is simply to head somewhere as dark as you can, give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the night, dress warmly, lie back on a blanket or reclining chair, and keep your gaze on as much of the sky as possible,” she said.

“Face roughly north, a little to the north-east earlier in the night, but remember that Geminids meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so try to keep a wide view rather than staring at one spot. If you can, head to a darker location away from bright streetlights — a park, oval, beach or headland with a clear northern horizon works well.

“Try not to look at your phone while you’re out there — even a quick glance at a bright screen will reset your night vision.”