Geminids

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows a meteor coming from the periodic meteor shower called the Geminids in the skies over Mount Balang, China.

This shower is called the Geminids because it seems to originate, or radiate, out from the constellation of Gemini. Meteor showers occur during set times of the year, and "peak" at one particular time. However, if you want to catch the Geminids (or another shower), you should observe before and after the peak—they just don't occur at that peak time! (Consult a decent observing guide for other hints, for example, the best time to observe is actually usually after midnight local time, not before!)

I stepped out Sunday night to walk our dog, well after the "peak" of the Geminids. As I looked up, I observed a very bright (maganitude 1 or better) Geminid falling from above Orion, through Orion, definitely radiating away from Gemini. So, there you go. Look up, look up around the peak, ot only at the peak, and you will be rewarded!