Stargazers should face east at around 10 p.m. to watch the Geminid meteor shower during its peak on Dec. 13.

Stargazers and astronomers get ready for one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year: The Geminid meteor shower. It is set to peak this weekend.

Those watching the shower from the darkest possible skies can see up to 120 shooting stars per hour during the peak, according to NASA. The shower, composed of debris from the trailing asteroid 3200 Phaethon, is known for being bright and colorful.

Not only will the shower take place on a weekend, but the moon's light will not affect the viewer's experience until it begins to rise at 2 a.m. local time, according to the American Meteor Society.

"This is the one major shower that provides good activity prior to midnight as the constellation of Gemini is well placed from [10 p.m. local time] onward," the society stated on its website.

Here's what to know about the Geminid meteor shower and its peak.

When will the Geminid meteor shower peak?

The meteor shower will peak from the night of Saturday, Dec. 13, to Sunday, Dec. 14.

When will the Geminid meteor shower end?

The meteor shower started on Dec. 4 and will end on Dec. 17.

Where can the Geminids be seen?

The Geminid meteor shower often appears in the eastern sky near the constellation of Gemini, according to the American Meteor Society. After the moon rises at 2 a.m., stargazers should face westward to avoid their view being obstructed by the light of the moon.

Jupiter will also be visible in the eastern sky on Dec. 13.

Apps like SkyView or SkySafari Pro could help stargazers and backyard astronomers spot the constellation.

What is the best time to see the Geminid meteor shower?

The best time to see the Geminids will be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time from Saturday, Dec. 13, to Sunday, Dec. 14.

Anyone who misses the peak over the weekend can still get a chance to view the shower before it ends on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Do you need any equipment to see the Geminid meteor shower?

No, onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor shower. In fact, you don't even need a telescope or binoculars, according to NASA.

A telescope can limit your view of the night sky. You want to ensure you have a clear view of the entire night sky, especially since multiple showers are occurring simultaneously, and a falling star can come from any direction.

If you do decide to try to watch the Geminids meteor shower, make sure you do the following:

  • Check the weather and cloud coverage in your area to make sure conditions are optimal to view the meteor shower
  • Find a dark location away from light pollution
  • Give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark
  • Avoid looking at phones or bright lights

To be as comfortable as possible, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray, and bring a blanket, a sleeping bag, or a reclining chair to lie on.

Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Geminid meteor shower is set to peak soon. Here's what to know.

Reporting by Julia Gomez, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect