January to June Meteor Showers
The Quadrantids open January, peaking on the 3rd with a zenith hourly rate of 80. These faint meteors are best observed away from city lights, with the radiant in Boötes. Occasionally, bright fireballs may appear.
April's Lyrids, active from the 14th to 30th, peak on the 22nd with about 18 meteors per hour. The radiant is near Lyra, and best viewing is after midnight, looking northeast.
The Eta Aquariids in May offer up to 50 meteors per hour, moving at 67 kilometers per second. Southern Hemisphere observers enjoy a better show, while northern viewers should watch just before dawn on May 5th.
June Bootids peak on the 27th, typically producing few meteors but occasionally surprising observers. Look northwest towards Boötes for this unpredictable shower.
July to September Meteor Showers
The Southern Delta Aquariids grace the sky from July 12th to August 23rd, peaking on July 31st. Originating from Comet 96P/Machholz, this shower produces up to 25 faint meteors per hour, best viewed looking southeast in dark skies.
August's Perseids, peaking on the night of August 12th-13th, offer up to 100 meteors per hour. Despite potential moonlight interference, this shower remains a highlight for both amateur and experienced stargazers. For optimal viewing:
- Find a dark location
- Look northeast after midnight
- Allow eyes to adjust to darkness
The September Epsilon Perseids peak on September 9th with a modest rate of about five meteors per hour. While challenging to observe due to moonlight, dedicated observers may catch these elusive meteors by looking northeast in early nightfall.
October to December Meteor Showers
The Orionids peak around October 21st, offering about 20 swift meteors per hour. With favorable moon conditions this year, viewers can expect a good show by looking east to southeast.
November's Leonids, peaking on the 17th, typically produce up to 15 meteors per hour. While not consistently spectacular, this shower has a history of occasional outbursts. Look towards Leo for the best chance of spotting meteors.
"The Leonids are known for their bright meteors and occasional meteor storms, making them a favorite among skywatchers."
The Geminids conclude the year's major showers, peaking on December 14th. Originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, this shower consistently delivers numerous bright meteors. With minimal moonlight interference, observers can expect an impressive display by focusing near the constellation Gemini.
These celestial events offer opportunities to appreciate the night sky and our place in the universe. Each meteor shower presents a unique display, encouraging observers to venture outdoors and witness nature's cosmic spectacle.
- American Meteor Society. Meteor Shower Calendar. 2025.
- International Meteor Organization. Meteor Shower Working List. 2025.
- NASA. Solar System Exploration: Meteors & Meteorites. 2025.
