North Dakota is the perfect state for stargazing. With wide-open prairies that have little to no light pollution, you can see thousands of stars. That also means it’s a fantastic place for watching meteor showers. One of the biggest meteor showers of the year will be coming up in the next few days, and if the weather is good then the Peace Garden State will have a front-row seat for it.
North Dakota’s huge skies and clear winter nights are perfect for stargazing. This December, you’ll definitely want to check out one of the biggest meteor showers of the year.
Dave Peterson/USFWS/Flickr
On the night of December 13th and the early pre-dawn morning of December 14th, 2019, the Geminid Meteor Shower will peak. If you know the Orion constellation, look towards that and a bit to the left - that is where the Gemini constellation is, and where the most meteors will be seen.
Sam DeLong/Flickr
On this night, the moon will be just past full, but thanks to the intense fireballs this meteor shower produces you should still be able to see plenty of meteors. They may be seen as early as 9:00 PM but will be most visible around 2:00 AM.
Mike Durkin/Flickr
During the peak hours, as many as 20-30 meteors per hour can be seen streaking across the sky in bright, vivid colors, many with long tails.
Stephen Little/Flickr
This meteor shower is by far one of the most active and best to watch, and it’ll be easily visible from North Dakota if there aren’t too many clouds. Take a short drive out to the dark, rural roads of ND, lean back, and enjoy the show.
Shannon Dizmang/Flickr
Do you have any plans to watch the Geminid Meteor Shower? North Dakota has some of the prettiest night skies to view it in. Camping is a great way to go out and enjoy the view. Here are some fantastic camping spots in North Dakota to stargaze at.
Dave Peterson/USFWS/Flickr
Sam DeLong/Flickr
Mike Durkin/Flickr
Stephen Little/Flickr
Shannon Dizmang/Flickr
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