Look generally toward the constellation Gemini in the eastern sky, then let your gaze drift to the darkest part of the sky rather than staring at one exact point. Meteors will appear to radiate from Gemini, but they can streak across any part of the sky, so you do not need a telescope or binoculars—just your eyes.
Where to face
- In the Northern Hemisphere, start looking east in the evening as Gemini rises, then higher in the sky around midnight to 2 a.m. local time for the best rates.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, Gemini sits lower, so look generally north from around midnight to pre-dawn, again favoring the darkest part of the sky.
Best kind of location
- Go to the darkest place you can safely reach, away from city lights and with a clear, open horizon (fields, beaches, rural areas, or dark suburbs are ideal).
- Avoid looking near bright lights, buildings, or trees, and give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to the dark for the best visibility.
Extra tips
- Lie back in a chair or on a blanket so you can comfortably scan a wide area of sky without straining your neck.
- Plan for cold, clear weather: dress warmly and stay out at least an hour to see the shower build up, since meteors often come in bursts.