Geminids Meteor Shower Viewing

Location of Staunton River State Park in Virginia

Where

Staunton River State Park, 1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg, VA 24589.
Visitor Center

When

Dec. 7, 2024 12:00 a.m. - Dec. 17, 2024 12:00 a.m.

The Geminid meteor shower is considered by many to be the best of the year, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, which was discovered in 1982. The shower runs annually from December 7-17. It peaks in 2024 will be on the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th. The waxing gibbous moon will block many of the fainter meteors this year, but the Geminids are so numerous and bright that this should still be a good show. The best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Guests are welcome to gather on the Observation Field during this event and watch for meteors. We recommend chairs or blankets for stargazing during this event because of the wide-open space. Telescopes and binoculars are not necessary. Parking is available in the Visitor Center parking lot and the restrooms will be open. There will be no ranger present during this self-guided event.

photo of a starry sky at night

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 434-572-4623
Email Address: StauntonRiver@dcr.virginia.gov