Geminid Meteor Showers, Comet Atlas 31 This Week Above Oregon, Washington

Published 12/11/25 at 7:35 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) – An interesting stellar display is coming up right about now above Oregon, Washington and the coastlines, with a major meteor shower hitting its peak over the next few days and an interstellar visitor making its closest appearance to Earth next week. The Geminids really fire off Friday and Saturday, and later in the week Comet 3I/ATLAS may make another showing. (Above: NASA photo)

If the weather will allow viewing is another matter – although the current forecasts call for some breaks in the clouds above the Oregon coast, Portland, Eugene and the southern Washington coast. However, the bulk of Washington State will be under rainy clouds (and more flood issues). Washington Coast Weather

According to Jim Todd, astronomy expert at Portland's OMSI, the Geminid meteor shower will reach its peak in the early mornings of December 12 and 13. This hopefully will live up to its reputation of offering one of the year’s most reliable displays. Unlike many showers, the Geminids provide strong activity before midnight, with the constellation Gemini well positioned from 10 p.m. onward. The American Meteor Society estimates 100 to 150 meteors per hour may be visible. Oregon Coast Weather - Oregon Inland Weather

If you're in areas like Port Orford, Silverton, McMinnville, Madras or Bend, take a look upwards if there's some cloud breaks.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection that this year, the waning crescent moon will rise near 2 a.m. local time on December 13 and 14, leaving the sky dark and moon-free for earlier observations. The Geminids remain active from December 4 through December 17, 2025, and are known for their brightness and vivid colors. Meteors can be seen anywhere in the sky, tracing back to a point near the star Castor in Gemini. Their medium-slow velocity means persistent trains are uncommon.

Photo of Comet K1 Atlas, courtesy Patrick Finney, take from Portland

The shower originates from debris shed by 3200 Phaethon, an asteroid with comet-like characteristics often described as a “rock comet.” NASA’s STEREO spacecraft has observed dust tails from Phaethon, and in 2010 the object was detected ejecting dust. Scientists suggest the Sun’s heat may be causing fractures similar to mud cracks in a dry lakebed, contributing to the stream of particles that create the Geminids.

According to NASA, Comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, offering skywatchers a rare chance to view this interstellar interloper.

“Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third object in history from outside of our solar system to be discovered within our solar system,” NASA said.

The space agency continues observations with spacecraft and telescopes to gather data while the comet is in our vicinity.

“Comet 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth and will remain far away,” NASA said. “On its closest approach to our planet on December 19, it will still be about 170 million miles away, or more than 700 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.”

How to See Comet Atlas 31 from Oregon and Washington?

NASA

Observers in the early pre-dawn hours may spot the comet low in the east to northeast, positioned just beneath Regulus, the bright star at the center of the constellation Leo. Viewing will require a telescope with an aperture of at least 30 centimeters, and local observatories may host events to help the public catch a glimpse before the comet moves on.

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