Geminid Meteor Shower
The Geminid radiant at 22:00 UT in the UK on the evening of December 13th looking east.
In 2012 the Moon is new so does not interfere with the Geminids, one of the major annual meteor showers. Geminids appear to radiate from a point close to the second magnitude star Castor. The maximum rate lasts for several hours and occasionally the shower can produce many more than the usual 60 per hour.
Gemini and the radiant rises in the evening and observing can begin around 10 - 11 pm. It is best to look away from the radiant, especially with the moon in view, as Geminid meteors will appear in any part of the sky. The best time to view is around 2 AM when the radiant is at its height. Wrap up warm, it'll be cold if clear.
Image generated using Stellarium