The Lyrids is a medium strength shower that usually produces good rates for three nights centered on the maximum. These meteors also usually lack persistent trains but can produce fireballs. They are best seen from the northern hemisphere where the radiant is high in the sky at dawn. Activity from this shower can be seen… Read More »Lyrids
The Eta Aquariids are a strong shower when viewed from the southern hemisphere. From the equator northward, they usually only produce medium rates of 10–30 per hour just before dawn. Although the shower is active April 19–May 28, activity is best around the peak on May 4–5. For more information on meteor showers, visit the… Read More »Eta Aquariids
The Alpha Capricornids are active from July 3–August 15 with a maximum centered on July 28. This shower is not very strong and rarely produces in excess of five shower members per hour. What is notable about this shower is the number of bright fireballs produced during its activity period. For more information on meteor… Read More »Alpha Capricornids
The radiant point for the Draconids is the head of the dragon in the constellation Draco. The peak is on the evening of October 8. Unlike most meteor showers, this one is best viewed in the early evening. This year, a waxing crescent moon will set during dusk, so it won't obscure the shower. The… Read More »Draconid Meteor Shower
Unfortunately, the full moon coincides with the peak of the Orionids this year, which occurs in the early morning of October 21. The radiant point of the Orionids is the club of the hunter Orion. The Orionids usually produce 10–20 meteors per hour.
The two Taurid Meteor Showers last for several weeks before and after their peak dates, but often produce only around 5 meteors per hour, even at their peak. What makes them worth the effort, however, is the fact the they often include a large number of fireballs, extremely bright, long-lasting (1–3 seconds) meteors. The South… Read More »Taurid Meteor Showers
The two Taurid Meteor Showers last for several weeks before and after their peak dates, but often produce only around 5 meteors per hour, even at their peak. What makes them worth the effort, however, is the fact the they often include a large number of fireballs, extremely bright, long-lasting (1–3 seconds) meteors. The South… Read More »Taurid Meteor Showers
The Leonids usually produce 10–15 meteors per hours. They will peak on the morning of November 17.
The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks on the evening of December 13, but the best viewing will be toward morning on December 14 after the moon has set. This is one of the most active showers of the year, often producing up to 50 visible meteors per hour in dark areas.
The Ursids run December 17–26, but even at their peak before dawn on December 22, you should only expect to see 5–10 meteors per hour. To make matters worse this year, the shower will be washed out for much of the night by a waning gibbous moon.