Montana has been witnessing some amazing celestial events this year. We’ve had some great views of the Northern Lights this year. The pictures shared on social media were incredible.
This weekend, we may have a chance to see the peak of one of the best meteor showers of the year. The Geminid Meteor Shower is scheduled to peak overnight on December 13 and 14. According to Space.com, this year, the moon won’t interfere too much with the viewing since it will be waning.
What Makes the Geminids Unique?
The Geminid Shower is different than most meteor showers we can witness because it’s a product of an asteroid, not a comet. The Geminids can be an impressive meteor shower. They are also, according to records, nearly 200 years old, and the shower seems to be growing stronger.
READ MORE: Two Beautiful Montana Locations That Have Dark Skies
This month, we may get a chance to see the 3I/Atlas comet as it makes its closest approach to Earth on December 19. There’s speculation about 3I/Atlas. According to NASA, 3I/ATLAS is the “third object in history from outside of our solar system to be discovered within our solar system.”
How Close Will 3I/Atlas Get to Earth?
NASA continues to study 3I/Atlas and says that it poses no threat to Earth and, at its closest, will be 170 million miles away. If it stays on its projected path, it will be too far away to be visible with the naked eye, but with binoculars or a telescope, you should be able to see it.
As always, with celestial events, Montana’s weather and cloud cover play a big part in how much of the event we can see. According to the National Weather Service, parts of Montana may see some clearing this Saturday and Sunday, which could give us a glimpse of the last major meteor shower of 2025.
45 Jaw-Dropping Photos Of Montana’s Northern Lights
Locals submitted their best photos of Montana’s Northern Lights and they are absolutely breathtaking. Which is your favorite?
Gallery Credit: Chris
Montana Northern Lights Pictures