The Geminids meteor shower will be at its peak Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The Geminids began first appearing in the mid-19th Century, according to NASA.

The first showers were nothing exciting, with only 10 to 20 meteors seen per hour. But, since that time, the number of meteors that can be seen per hour has grown to 120.

Unlike most meteor showers, which originate from comets, the Geminids come from an asteroid – 2300 Phaethon, said NASA. Asteroid 3200 Phaethon takes just under one-and-a-half years to orbit the sun one time.

The best time to view the Geminids is during the night and predawn hours. The shower starts around 9 or 10 p.m.

To view the meteor shower, find an area away from any city and street lights.

Lie flat with your feet facing south and look up.

After about 30 minutes, your eyes will adapt to the dark and you will start seeing meteors.