Every year the Earth passes through trails of dust left by comets. When those tiny grains meet our atmosphere they flare into the streaks we call shooting stars. Because the Earth crosses the same trails each year, meteor showers return on a reliable calendar.
The major showers
- Quadrantids: early January, a short but strong peak.
- Lyrids: late April, one of the oldest recorded showers.
- Eta Aquariids: early May, debris from Halley's Comet.
- Perseids: mid August, warm nights and bright meteors.
- Orionids: late October, also from Halley's Comet.
- Leonids: mid November, famous for occasional storms.
- Geminids: mid December, often the richest shower of the year.
Tips for a good night
- Get away from city lights if you can, and check the moon phase, since a bright moon washes out fainter meteors.
- Give your eyes twenty to thirty minutes to adjust, and put your phone away.
- Lie back on a blanket and look at a wide patch of sky rather than one spot.
- The hours after midnight are usually best.
A meteor shower is a beautiful excuse to slow down outside. Pair it with our Moonlight Journal practice or read Cosmic Wonder Without the Circus.
Questions people ask
When is the best meteor shower of the year?
Many skywatchers love the Perseids in August for warm nights and the Geminids in December for their rich displays.
Do I need a telescope to see meteors?
No. Your eyes are the best tool, since meteors streak across wide areas of the sky.
What time should I look up?
The hours after midnight until dawn usually offer the most meteors.
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