As Earth orbits the Sun every year, it often passes through streams of dust and debris left behind by comets, or occasionally asteroids. These debris trails spread across space, and when Earth intersects them, we see meteor showers. During the December-February period, Earth traverses several such debris streams. This overlap, combined with generally clearer, colder nights in many parts of the world, means this season tends to offer excellent conditions for stargazing and meteor-watching. Because the paths we sweep through change slightly each year, and because debris streams vary in density, some seasons bring richer displays than others.
Major meteor showers this winter
Geminids Meteor Shower (December): According to NASA's official website, the Geminid meteor shower will light up the night sky on December 13 and 14, with up to 120 meteors per hour under dark skies. Originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, these bright, colorful meteors will radiate near Jupiter in the eastern sky. Earlier, on December 7, the Moon and Jupiter will appear close in a striking conjunction.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower (Early January)
According to NASA's official website, the Quadrantid meteor shower will be active from December 26, 2025, to January 16, 2026. The peak night for viewing is expected between January 3 and 4, 2026. During this brief peak, skywatchers may witness a sharp burst of meteor activity.
Lesser-known/Weaker showers
There are other meteor streams whose activity extends into January-February. For example, the Delta-Cancrids Meteor Shower spans roughly January 1 to January 24 (with some activity stretching from mid-December to mid-February), though it is much weaker - often only a handful of meteors per hour at peak.
How To Watch And Where In India
When: For the Geminids, late evening to pre-dawn hours (peak after midnight). For Quadrantids, the early morning hours around 3-5 AM tend to be best.
Where: Find a location away from city lights - rural areas, hills, or countryside typically offer the best visibility. Cities like Delhi/Gurugram suffer from light pollution, so travelling even 50-100 km out could make a big difference.
No equipment needed: Meteor showers are best enjoyed with the naked eye. Binoculars or telescopes aren't necessary - you want a wide sky view.
Tips: Lie flat with a clear view of the sky, allow 15-20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness, and haul out a blanket or chair to stay comfortable if observing for hours.
Why Winter Is Extra Special
Debris streams encountered in December-February often come from different comets or asteroids, so multiple showers overlap in quick succession - giving more than one opportunity in a short span.
Nights are longer and skies in many regions (especially away from coastal humidity) tend to be clearer, improving visibility.
For Indian stargazers, winter also means less humidity and often clearer air, which helps with better stargazing compared with the monsoon-summer months.
