December has arrived, and with it the year's peak meteor season for the northern hemisphere.

It's during this time that two major meteor showers occur back-to-back, with the Geminids peaking in mid-December, and the Quadrantids hitting their full stride in early January.

This year, the Geminid peak falls on the evening of Saturday 13 December, and early morning Sunday 14 December. Viewers could see up to 150 meteors per hour, with the greatest concentration at around 08:00 UTC (3:00 am EST).

"Although the Perseids , which arrive every August, are better known, the Geminids usually put on a better show," says Sky & Telescope Editor in Chief Diana Hannikainen . "Just make sure to bundle up!"

The Geminids are special for a few reasons, of which their proliferation is just one. The

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