The Latest Breaking News from Phaethon

Watch the Geminid meteor shower peak tonight from the comfort of home with this free livestream

The Geminid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the debris from asteroid (3200) Phaethon

Space · Dec 13, 2025

Meet Phaethon, a weird asteroid that thinks it’s a comet – our new research may explain what’s going on

What’s the difference between an asteroid and a comet? A comet is basically a dirty iceball composed of rock and ice. The classic image is of a bright “star” in the night sky with a long curved tail extending into space. This is what happens when they approach the Sun…

The Conversation · Sep 2, 2024

Asteroid Phaethon's mysterious tail may finally have an explanation

Spectral analysis of the mystery asteroid Phaethon reveals its composition at last.

Space · Nov 30, 2023

Astronomers pinpoint evenings with '20 times more shooting stars' this month as spectacular event takes place

The Geminids are caused by tiny pieces of space debris, bits of dust that fell off a small extinct comet or asteroid called Phaethon that goes around the Sun every one and a half years

Irish Mirror · Dec 13, 2022

Get ready, a spectacular meteor shower is hitting our skies in the next few days

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… not because Christmas is coming, but because it’s time for the Geminid meteor shower – an annual spectacle to bring joy and good cheer to all!

The Conversation · Dec 12, 2022