Geminid Meteor Shower Viewing Event
12/12/2026 | Elephant Rocks State Park | Belleview, Mo.
Mother's Nature's Christmas Lights Display
To mark this year’s most spectacular meteor shower, the Geminids, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event. You’re invited to view this spectacular phenomenon from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. So, if you like stargazing or light shows and are able to brave the cold, come join us at the park to create a lifelong memory.
About the shower:
- The Geminids were first recorded in 1862, long after other major showers.
- These meteors are produced by an asteroid, not a comet. The asteroid is named 3200 Phaethon.
- The asteroid orbits the sun every 1.4 years and leaves a trail of dust through which the Earth passes every December, resulting in an annual viewing opportunity.
- The shower gets brighter every year as Jupiter’s gravity pulls the dust closer to Earth.
- The best viewing is high in the southern sky near the constellation Gemini.
- The shower can be seen with the naked eye.
Event guidelines and reminders:
- This viewing event is free and open to the public; there is no need to register.
- Park staff will be available to direct you to the best and safest areas to view the shower.
- Elephant Rocks is a carry-in, carry-out park; please bring in only what you will be able to carry out when you leave. Trash receptacles will be provided in the parking lot.
- You do not need to use any viewing devices to see the shower, but you are welcome to bring your own devices if you want.
- Attendees are expected to be respectful of others and should avoid excessive noise and use of artificial light.
- No tents or other invasive camping equipment such as lanterns or propane heaters will be allowed, but you can bring portable chairs for seating and blankets to keep warm.
- Absolutely no campfires will be allowed.
- Please remember to dress for the weather. The temperature on the rocks is often lower than than the average local temperature. Even if it is a mild night, you can become chilled by sitting in the park for long periods.
Elephant Rocks State Park Contact Information:
- Address: 7406 Highway 21, Belleview, Mo.
- Phone number: 573-546-3454