Astronomers have identified 3200 Phaethon as the source of the annual Geminid meteor shower, which peaks on December 13. This near-Earth asteroid has a well-measured orbit and is recognized for its role in producing a significant portion of the Geminid meteor stream.
Orbited by Earth every 1.4 years, Phaethon’s perihelion – or closest approach to the Sun – falls within Mercury’s orbit. The asteroid was recently observed near the Geminid peak on December 13, 2017, just days before its historic close approach to our planet.
This year, observers should see the Geminid meteor shower at its peak, but faint meteors will be overpowered by the bright moonlight.
Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241212.html