This week is prime time for the Geminid meteor shower. It will peak early in the morning on December 14, 2023.
Under ideal conditions — a clear, dark sky — you might see more than 40 Geminid meteors per hour. We will have a nearly noon moon, so the sky will be dark this year.
If you can find a spot away from city lights and you’re patient, you can expect to see some meteors, which are often described as “shooting stars.”
Learn how to get started with stargazing and skywatching in the Triangle!
Geminid Meteor Shower Watch Events
Several organizations are hosting Geminid Meteor Shower watch events Wednesday, December 13, or Thursday, December 14, 2023. They all are free to attend. Make sure to get in touch with the organizers or the hosting park, because if the weather isn’t good, the event might not take place.
Skywatching with Morehead Planetarium and CHAOS
Wednesday, December 13th, 2023
Starting at 8 p.m.
Little River Regional Park
301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont, NC
Free
Morehead educators and CHAOS members (Chapel Hill Astronomical & Observational Society) will bring telescopes and guide you as you observe the Geminid meteor shower, which will peaking this night.
Be sure to call the park office after 4 p.m. for cloud/cancellation updates: 919-732-5505. Meet at the Play Meadow. All ages welcomed. Due to the fragile viewing equipment, please do not bring dogs.
Stargazing at West Point on the Eno
Wednesday, December 13th, 2023
11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
West Point on the Eno
Free
The Geminid Meteor Shower is the most prolific meteor shower of the year with up to 120 meteors per hour. Join us in the meadow at the West Point on the Eno Environmental Education Pavilion as we watch the spectacle. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while lying on a blanket under the stars. No cost, no preregistration required. Please note that this program is weather dependent.
Stargazing from the Willard Rooftop Lounge
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
7 to 9 p.m.
AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown
9 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC
Free
Join Raleigh Astronomy Club for rooftop views of the Geminid meteor shower—one of the northern hemisphere’s most impressive showers— at The Willard.
RAC will have telescopes and hobby astronomers on hand to guide your stargazing and answer questions, and The Willard will offer celestial-inspired cocktail specials for you to enjoy while you take in the skies and get cozy around our dual-sided fireplace.
This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.
Winter Stargazing at Eno River State Park
Thursday, December 14, 2023
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Eno River State Park — Fews Ford Access
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC
Free
Join a ranger to learn about these and other fiery space objects, and then enjoy the show!
Be sure to bring chairs and blankets, and dress to be outside!
Spaces are limited: RSVP is required with the number of guests in your party and a phone number where you can be reached in the event of changes by email at eno.river@ncparks.gov or by phone at 919-383-1686.
Stargazing from Hartwell Rooftop
Thursday, December 14, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Hartwell Raleigh
620 W South Street, Raleigh, NC
Free
The Raleigh Astronomy Club will be at Hartwell to lead s stargazing session.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
