The Geminid and Ursid meteor showers will grace the country’s night sky this December, according to the astronomical diary of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA said the Geminid meteor shower—produced by asteroid 3200 Phaethon—will be active from Dec. 4 to 17, with peak activity on Dec. 14.

“At its peak, Geminids is estimated to produce a nominal rate of about 120 meteors per hour. It is visible after around 7:12 p.m., when its radiant point, constellation Gemini, the Twins rises above the eastern horizon, and is likely to produce its best displays around 2 a.m., when its radiant point is highest in the sky,” PAGASA explained.

However, it noted that the last quarter moon “may present a significant interference with the meteor shower observation.”

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the Ursid meteor shower—produced by comet 8P/Tuttle—will be active from Dec. 17 to 26, with peak activity occurring on Dec. 23.

“Ursid’s radiant, constellation Ursa Minor, will be low in the sky, thus even at its peak, it is estimated to only observe about four meteors per hour,” it pointed out.

PAGASA explained that the “finest” display of the meteor shower is seen whenever the radiant point of the shower is above the horizon, with the number of visible meteors increasing as the radiant point rises in the sky.

“Meteor showers are observable through the naked eye, and no special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars is needed,” it said.

It advised that to maximize the viewing experience, choose a dark viewing area away from city lights under clear and moonless sky conditions.