Geminid meteor shower time, schedule, viewing area: Next big 2012 meteor shower coming tonight

The next big meteor shower is expected to light up the skies Thursday night, and specialists say it will be the best show of the year.

The Geminid Meteors will be most visible around 8 p.m. EST Thursday, according to an article by NBC News.

These meteors originate near the Gemini Twins constellation and are known annually for their "slow, bright, graceful meteors and fireballs."

Some of these magnificent meteors, which NBC says are usually more impressive than the famous Perseid meteors, glow yellow, travel jagged or divided.

What makes this year's Geminid show more impressive than others, is the fact that the moon will be barely visible, increasing the chances of seeing the meteors in action.

The Gemini constellation can be seen rising in the sky just after dark in the east or northeast horizon, according to the article.

The meteors will be most visible later in the evening into the late hours of the night.

Canadian astronomy specialists think the shower will be best seen in North Africa, Europe, China and Russia will get the best show, but North Americans will also get a good show