The Gemini meteor shower is the most stable and highest-flow meteor shower among the three major meteor showers each year, with a ZHR (zenithal hourly rate) of about 150 each year.

This year's peak time for the Gemini meteor shower falls around 9:00 am on December 14th Beijing time, so the night of the 13th to the early morning of the 14th is the best time to observe.

Unfortunately, this year's Gemini meteor shower falls on the 13th of the lunar calendar, and the nearly full moon will have a significant impact on observation and photography. Friends who plan to observe the meteor shower can choose to avoid the moonlight by facing east and observing after the moon sets in the latter half of the night, which will allow them to see more meteors.

On the early morning of December 14th, the moon will also pass in front of the Pleiades, creating a scene where the moon and the Gemini meteor shower "compete for attention."

Are you ready to watch this celestial show?

Recommended observation sites:

1. Da'an Mountain

Da'an Mountain is located at the junction of Fangshan District and Mentougou District. It is a branch of the Taihang Mountains, with peaks such as Baihuashan and Baicaopan. There is a flat and open area surrounded by mountains, known as the "Beida Liang," which is a great place for viewing.

2. Labagoumen Manchu Township

"Take photos of the Big Dipper with your phone, watch the Milky Way with your naked eye" is Labagoumen Manchu Township, located at the northernmost end of Beijing. It has unique viewing conditions, far from the light pollution of the city, and is classified as a 3rd level dark sky according to the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, with very little light pollution, creating a unique advantage for observing the night sky.

3. Huahai Astronomy Farm

Beijing Huahai Astronomy Farm is located in Yanqing District and is one of the "2023 Recommended Starry Sky Destinations." The altitude here is above 600 meters, with no tall buildings nearby, and only mild light pollution, allowing you to see the North Star clearly.

The maximum star magnitude here can reach 5 or higher. You can not only observe the stars through a telescope but also use a camera to capture beautiful celestial bodies, enjoying a moment of tranquility in the vast starry sky.

Recommended observation accommodations

Mentougou District was designated as a "Starry Sky Observation Site in Western Beijing" this year. Observing the stars in Mentougou allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with minimal light pollution, and a Bortle level of 3 or lower, making it an ideal place for stargazing. You can choose to stay in a homestay here and easily observe the meteor shower at night.

Baihua-Mountain Community

Baihua-Mountain Community Homestay is located at an altitude of 1100 meters on the mountainside, and is the high-altitude homestay in Beijing. The homestay has 8 courtyards, and is equipped with a high-altitude cafe, an aerial library, and abundant outdoor recreational facilities. Due to its high-altitude characteristics, visitors can observe stars, enjoy the moon, and watch the sunset at the homestay. The homestay is equipped with star observation equipment, and visitors can enjoy a clearer view of the stars in the mountain homestay, away from light pollution in the city.

Address: Chuangyi Xiangju, Huangantuo Village, Qingshui Town, Mentougou, Beijing

Chuangyi Xiangju Homestay is located in a century-old historic village, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The core mountain view courtyard offers a perfect location for observing the mountain scenery during the day and the stars at night.

Address: Liangjiazhuang Village, Qingshui Town, Mentougou, Beijing

The stargazing homestays in Fangshan District and Huairou District are also worth a stay.

Ranshe

Ranshe is located in Zhongshan Village, Daanshan Township, Fangshan, Beijing. Here you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It is an excellent place for stargazing. The courtyard is equipped with a swimming pool and a private hot spring. Surrounded by mountains, lying in the pool and looking up at the stars. There's nothing more comfortable than this in winter.