Is that an Asteroid, or a Comet?

Comets unleash streams of dusty debris as they approach the Sun. The Earth crosses these streams from time to time allowing us to see stunning meteor showers. The Geminid meteor shower, which peaks this weekend on the nights of December 13th and 14th, is a rare exception to this rule. Broken fragments from a pseudo asteroid-comet with a mysterious composition create the Geminids, which continue to grow in intensity every year. So, unlike the Leonids, if you miss them this year, they'll just be that much better next year.

The moon will be bright during the shower’s prime viewing hours this year, which starts around 10 p.m. local both Saturday and Sunday night. Strong moonlight sharply reduces the number of faint meteors seen. Storm clouds and winter weather will further reduce my viewing opportunities tonight. But tomorrow looks promising. I'll try again then.