This weekend, stargazers can expect a celestial show as the Geminid meteor shower peaks, but don’t forget to bring your sunglasses—thanks to the nearly full moon, the shooting stars might need some help standing out!

The annual Geminid meteor shower, which peaks overnight Friday and early Saturday, usually dazzles with up to 120 shooting stars an hour, making it one of the best cosmic events of the year. This time, however, stargazers may catch only about 15 Geminids per hour due to the moon's bright shine acting like an overly enthusiastic spotlight at a talent show, eclipsing the fainter meteors just trying to shine.

The Geminids, having been on a month-long runway, have been warming up for this stellar event. This year, as the clock strikes midnight Friday, the shooting stars are expected to ramp up, much like a slow-moving freight train finally picking up speed. Though they may come in slower than usual, they still hold a reputation as one of the most reliable meteor displays over the years. First appearing in the mid-1800s, the Geminids have managed to maintain a consistent performance record when it comes to dazzling the audiences below.

These cosmic gems are not shy about showing themselves in both hemispheres, so whether you're sipping hot cocoa in a Northern hemisphere snowdrift or enjoying balmy Southern hemisphere evenings, a backdrop of twinkling stars is guaranteed. However, for those living in urban areas, it’s like trying to watch a movie with the lights on: disappointing and somewhat pointless. Experts recommend finding a dark spot away from city lights to achieve the best viewing experience—unless you enjoy squinting at the sky, of course.

To maximize the experience, it seems that positioning yourself correctly could make all the difference. The optimal method? Lying flat on your back with your feet pointed south, which inexplicably provides the best angle for stargazing. Some may find it a convenient way to catch a few winks while the universe endeavors to put on a show. Bonus points if you can do this while holding a steaming thermos of your favorite drink—now that’s living in style while stargazing!

Despite the preparations, viewers might find their Geminid experience slightly hampered by the celestial interference of the nearly full moon lighting up the night sky. In fact, it may wash out around 50 to 75 percent of the faintest meteors this year. So, if you’ve been meticulously tracking star patterns since August, this could feel like a disappointment akin to expecting a five-course meal only to be met with a lukewarm leftover pizza slice.

Geminids typically come in yellow hues, setting them apart from the usual colorless or white meteors, which may contribute to their charm. However, with the bright moon, these yellow rascals will be no match for the lunar glare. Observers in the U.S. might find themselves counting around 15 meteors per hour, a far cry from the extravagant 120 that other lucky locations might witness under less intrusive conditions. Yet, even in these dimmed down situations, it’s still a valid excuse to bundle up and make a wish or two.

In case you’re not familiar with the Geminids’ origins, these shooting stars are fragments of an asteroid christened 3200 Phaethon—a name that perhaps suggests it’s got a flair for dramatic entrances. The remnants shoot through the sky, weaving through the cosmos like confetti at a celestial parade. With the combination of their reliable appearances, rich history, and the fact that you may have to navigate this viewing experience during less-than-optimal conditions, there’s plenty of reason to gaze up tonight, even in a less-than-perfectly dark environment.

So this weekend, whether you’re an experienced stargazer with an organized blanket squad, or just someone who was told there would be shooting stars while you stood outside awkwardly with your friend, remember that these celestial happenings are a reminder of just how grand—and at times inconvenient—our universe can be. And as you stare upward, don’t forget to make a wish. Who knows? The universe may find it in its vastness to grant it, despite the visual handicaps of a bright moon.