Every year, one of the most dazzling and sparkling light shows comes to the Hawkeye State just before Christmas. No, we’re not talking about a Christmas light display, but rather a spectacular performance put on by Mother Nature herself! Read all about how you can watch one of the busiest meteor showers of the year when you catch the Geminids in Iowa.

The skies above rural Iowa are some of the darkest in the Midwest, and thanks to the lack of light pollution, you’ll be able to see a spectacular show of shooting stars on the night of December 13th, 2019.

Flickr / NASA Marshall Flight

Every year in the middle of December, Iowa has a front row seat to one of the most active meteor showers of the year. Catch the Geminids in Iowa for an astronomic light show that rivals ones you’ve seen in movies.

Flickr / Bill Dickinson

This is a meteor shower for night owls, as it’s supposed to peak around 2 a.m. on Friday night. At least it doesn’t fall on a weeknight this year! Bundle up and head out to your favorite rural spot for a great view.

Flickr / Rich

Look towards the constellation Gemini and you’ll see shooting stars! The Geminids are considered one of the most active meteor showers of the year, and they’re visible globally.

Flickr / Mike Lewinski

At its peak, more than 120 meteors streak across the sky per hour. The full moon might overshadow some of the smaller meteors, but you should still be able to see plenty.

Flickr / Rich

Plan a late night trek out to Iowa’s darkest skies and you’ll make memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

Flickr / Rocky Raybell

For help tracking down dark skies, visit the Dark Sky Finder map.

Flickr / NASA Marshall Flight

Flickr / Bill Dickinson

Flickr / Rich

Flickr / Mike Lewinski

Flickr / Rocky Raybell

What are your plans to see the Geminids this year? It’s almost as if Mother Nature is putting on her own Christmas light show just for us!

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