Meteor Shower: See Tonight, Calendar, Time (2024/2025)
Meteor showers and their dates are listed in the table below.
| IAU Code | Name | Start | End | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANT | Antihelion Source | Dec 10 | Sep 10 | Jan 01 |
| QUA | Quadrantids | Dec 26 | Jan 12 | Jan 04 |
| GUM | γ-Ursae Minorid | Jan 15 | Jan 25 | Jan 20 |
| ACE | α-Centaurids | Jan 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 08 |
| GNO | γ-Normids | Feb 25 | Mar 28 | Mar 14 |
| LYR | Lyrids | Apr 16 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 |
| PPU | π-Puppids | Apr 15 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 |
| ETA | η-Aquariids | Apr 19 | May 28 | May 05 |
| ELY | η-Lyrids | May 03 | May 14 | May 08 |
| TAH | τ Herculids | May 25 | Jun 04 | May 31 |
| ARI | Daytime Arietids | May 14 | Jun 24 | Jun 07 |
| JBO | June Bootids | Jun 22 | Jul 02 | Jun 27 |
| JPE | July Pegasids | Jul 04 | Jul 17 | Jul 10 |
| PAU | Piscis Austrinids | Jul 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 28 |
| SDA | Southern δ-Aquariids | Jul 12 | Aug 23 | Jul 30 |
| CAP | α-Capricornids | Jul 03 | Aug 15 | Jul 30 |
| ERI | η-Eridanids | Jul 31 | Aug 19 | Aug 08 |
| PER | Perseids | Jul 17 | Aug 24 | Aug 12 |
| KCG | κ-Cygnids | Aug 03 | Aug 25 | Aug 17 |
| AUR | Aurigids | Aug 28 | Sep 05 | Aug 31 |
| NUE | ν-Eridanids | Sep 01 | Oct 29 | Sep 06 |
| SPE | September ε-Perseids | Sep 05 | Sep 21 | Sep 09 |
| CCY | χ-Cygnids | Sep 03 | Sep 25 | Sep 14 |
| DSX | Daytime Sextantids | Sep 09 | Oct 09 | Sep 27 |
| OCT | October Camelopardalids | Oct 05 | Oct 06 | Oct 06 |
| DRA | Draconids | Oct 06 | Oct 10 | Oct 08 |
| STA | Southern Taurids | Sep 10 | Nov 20 | Oct 10 |
| DAU | δ-Aurigids | Oct 10 | Oct 18 | Oct 11 |
| EGE | ε-Geminids | Oct 14 | Oct 27 | Oct 18 |
| ORI | Orionids | Oct 02 | Nov 07 | Oct 22 |
| LMI | Leonis Minorids | Oct 19 | Oct 27 | Oct 24 |
| NTA | Northern Taurids | Oct 20 | Dec 10 | Nov 12 |
| LEO | Leonids | Nov 06 | Nov 30 | Nov 17 |
| AMO | α-Monocerotids | Nov 15 | Nov 25 | Nov 21 |
| NOO | November Orionids | Nov 13 | Dec 06 | Nov 28 |
| PHO | Phoenicids | Nov 28 | Dec 09 | Dec 02 |
| DPC | December φ-Cassiopeids | Dec 01 | Dec 08 | Dec 06 |
| PUP | Puppid-Velids | Dec 01 | Dec 15 | Dec 07 |
| MON | Monocerotids | Dec 05 | Dec 20 | Dec 08 |
| HYD | σ-Hydrids | Dec 03 | Dec 15 | Dec 11 |
| GEM | Geminids | Dec 04 | Dec 17 | Dec 14 |
| COM | Comae Berenicids | Dec 12 | Dec 23 | Dec 15 |
| DLM | December Leonis Minorids | Dec 05 | Feb 04 | Dec 20 |
| URS | Ursids | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Dec 22 |
Verified meteors from the recent days are marked on the map below. The map has been updated on 2024-12-25.
Meteor data is provided by the Global Meteor Network organization.
Meteor showers are events where meteors appear to radiate from a single point in the night sky. Earth encounters debris trails from comets or asteroids during its orbit, causing these displays. Meteors are created by particles, no larger than sand grains, entering Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of 10-100 km/s. Peak viewing times and radiant point maps are provided for each shower, with intensity varying from a few meteors per hour to hundreds or thousands in showers like the Leonids and Geminids.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets or asteroids. Particles from these trails enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of 25,000 to 160,000 miles per hour, creating streaks of light as they burn up due to atmospheric friction. Earth’s consistent orbital path causes meteor showers to happen at certain times each year, with meteors appearing to have parallel trajectories during a shower.
Major annual meteor showers include the Quadrantids, Lyrids, Eta Aquariids, Perseids, Orionids, Leonids, and Geminids. The Geminids are considered one of the impressive meteor showers, peaking around December 13-14 with up to 120 meteors per hour. Minor annual showers include the Southern Taurids, Northern Taurids, Draconids, June Bootids, July Pegasids, Piscis Austrinids, and Aquarids. Each shower is associated with specific comets or asteroids and offers levels of meteor activity.
What is a meteor shower?
Meteor shower is a celestial event in the night sky where meteors appear to radiate from a single point. Meteors are caused by debris particles, no larger than a grain of sand, entering Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds of 10-100 km/s. Earth encounters these debris trails, originating from comets or asteroids, during its orbit around the Sun. Meteor showers occur on dates each year, with peak viewing times listed and radiant point maps showing where meteors appear to originate in the sky. Meteor shower intensity varies, ranging from a few meteors per hour to hundreds or thousands of meteors hourly in showers like the Leonids and Geminids.
Meteor shower night refers to the peak activity period of a shower. Peak activity lasts for hours and offers viewing opportunities. Meteor shower sky appears to originate from a point called the radiant. Meteors are visible across areas of the sky, not just at the radiant point. Meteor shower meaning relates to the astronomical phenomenon of Earth intersecting with debris trails. These events provide insights into solar system dynamics and comet behavior.
Meteor showers are recurring events with predictable peak dates. The Perseid meteor shower peaked on August 12-13, producing up to 150 meteors per hour. The Geminid meteor shower runs from December 4-17, generating up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak. Meteor shower takes hours to reach maximum activity and days to complete its cycle. Viewing conditions are good in dark, clear skies away from light pollution.
Is there meteor shower tonight?
Yes, tonight on 2024-12-25 these meteor showers are visible: Antihelion Source, December Leonis Minorids, Ursids.
Why do meteor showers happen?
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets or asteroids. Comets and asteroids eject bits of rocks and dust. Debris enters Earth’s atmosphere during orbital intersections. Bits burn up, creating meteors. Earth’s passages through debris trails cause recurring meteor showers. Celestial displays happen when specific conditions align.
Particles from the debris trails enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of 25,000 to 160,000 miles per hour. Atmospheric friction causes these particles to heat up and burn, producing streaks of light as meteors. Hundreds or thousands of meteors are observed during peak shower activity.
Meteor showers happen at specific times each year due to Earth’s consistent orbital path. Earth intersects with debris trails at predictable points in its orbit. Meteors appear to have parallel trajectories during a shower, creating a radiant effect in the sky. The radiant point gives each meteor shower its name, derived from the constellation where it appears to originate.
How often do meteor showers happen?
Meteor showers occur 30 times per year on Earth. Frequency varies throughout the year. Events like the Perseid shower happen around mid-August. Some showers recur on dates annually. Leonid meteor shower produces storms every 33 years. Astronomers study these displays to understand patterns and origins.
Meteor showers follow patterns of occurrence. Showers are annual events, happening at predictable times each year. Some meteor showers occur over several years rather than annually, with 3-5 events observed. Meteor storms produce high rates of meteors, occurring 10 times per year.
Meteor shower durations vary. The Perseid meteor shower remains active for 49 days from July 14 to September 1. Earth’s passage through debris trails left by comets or asteroids causes these displays. Peak activity happens when Earth moves through the most concentrated part of the debris stream. Annual meteor showers include the Perseids in August, Geminids in December, Lyrids in April, and Orionids in October.
What are the different types of meteor showers?
Meteor showers include Perseids, Geminids, Draconids, Orionids, Taurids, Leonids, Andromedids, Aquarids, and Quadrantids. Orionids occur October-November, producing 20 meteors/hour. Taurids happen October-November, yielding 10 meteors/hour. Leonids take place in November, generating 50 meteors/hour. Northern Hemisphere offers good viewing for most showers. Comets or asteroids are associated with each shower.
The different types of meteor showers are listed in the table below.
| Type | Name | Peak Date | Meteor Rate per Hour | Parent Comet | Radiant Coordinates | Velocity (km/s) |
| Major | Quadrantids | January 3-4 | 40 | 2003 EH1 | 15° 28’ +49° | 41.4 |
| Major | Lyrids | April 22-23 | 20 | C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) | 18° 04’ +34° | 48.3 |
| Major | Eta Aquariids | May 5-6 | 20 | 1P/Halley | 22° 36’ -01° | 66.9 |
| Major | Perseids | August 12-13 | 60 | 109P/Swift-Tuttle | 03° 04’ +58° | 59.0 |
| Major | Orionids | October 21-22 | 20 | 1P/Halley | 06° 24’ +15° | 66.9 |
| Major | Leonids | November 17-18 | 20 | 55P/Tempel-Tuttle | 10° 08’ +22° | 71.4 |
| Major | Geminids | December 13-14 | 120 | 3200 Phaethon | 07° 28’ +33° | 35.4 |
| Minor | Southern Taurids | October 10-11 | 5 | 2P/Encke | 02° 12’ +09° | 27.0 |
| Minor | Northern Taurids | November 12-13 | 5 | 2P/Encke | 03° 52’ +22° | 29.0 |
| Minor | Draconids | October 8-9 | 10 | 21P/Giacobini-Zinner | 17° 28’ +54° | 20.0 |
| Minor | June Bootids | June 27-28 | 2 | 7P/Pons-Winnecke | 14° 56’ +48° | 18.0 |
| Minor | July Pegasids | July 10-11 | 2 | C/1979 Y1 (Bradfield) | 23° 12’ +13° | 39.0 |
| Minor | Piscis Austrinids | July 28-29 | 5 | C/1834 N1 (Gambart) | 22° 44’ -30° | 35.0 |
| Minor | Aquarids | July 28-29 | 10 | 96P/Machholz | 22° 16’ -16° | 38.0 |
Major annual meteor showers include the Quadrantids, Lyrids, Eta Aquariids, Perseids, Orionids, Leonids, and Geminids. The Quadrantids peak around January 3-4, producing up to 40 meteors per hour. Lyrids occur in April, peaking around April 22-23 with up to 20 meteors per hour. Eta Aquariids peak around May 5-6, producing up to 20 meteors per hour. Perseids are one of the popular showers, peaking around August 12-13 with up to 60 meteors per hour. Orionids peak around October 21-22, producing up to 20 meteors per hour. Leonids peak around November 17-18, generating up to 20 meteors per hour. Geminids are considered one of the most impressive showers, peaking around December 13-14 with up to 120 meteors per hour.
Minor annual meteor showers include the Southern Taurids, Northern Taurids, Draconids, June Bootids, July Pegasids, Piscis Austrinids, and Aquarids. Southern Taurids occur from September to November, peaking around October 10-11 with up to 5 meteors per hour. Northern Taurids occur from October to December, peaking around November 12-13 with up to 5 meteors per hour. Draconids peak around October 8-9, producing up to 10 meteors per hour. June Bootids peak around June 27-28, generating up to 2 meteors per hour. July Pegasids peak around July 10-11, producing up to 2 meteors per hour. Piscis Austrinids peak around July 28-29, generating up to 5 meteors per hour. Aquarids peak around July 28-29, producing up to 10 meteors per hour.
Which meteor showers are related to halley’s comet?
Halley’s Comet produces two meteor showers: the Eta Aquariids and the Orionids. Earth passes through Halley’s debris trail twice yearly. The Eta Aquariids occur in May, peaking around May 5-6. The Orionid meteor shower takes place in October, peaking October 21-22. Orionids generate 10-20 meteors per hour at peak.
Are meteor showers dangerous?
Meteor showers pose no danger to viewers. Earth’s atmosphere protects against most meteors. Celestial displays occur at safe distances. Majority of meteors burn up in the atmosphere. People and property face no risk from meteor showers.
Meteor showers impact Earth when it passes through comet or asteroid debris trails. Meteoroids under 1 gram burn up in the atmosphere. Meteoroids above certain mass thresholds are considered hazardous, as they do not burn up. The Perseid meteor shower has a mass of around 10^12 kilograms, as calculated by researchers.
Are meteor showers rare?
Meteor showers are not rare events. Astronomers observe 50-100 meteor showers annually. Perseid meteor shower occurs every August, producing up to 100 meteors per hour. Showers generate 10-20 meteors hourly. Over 900 meteor showers have been cataloged over the years. New meteor showers are discovered yearly.
Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through a meteoroid stream. Particles in the stream enter the atmosphere and burn up, producing streaks of light in the sky. Debris streams that cause showers originate from comets and have elongated orbits. Earth’s orbit intersects with these debris streams at intervals, creating predictable annual meteor showers.
Meteor shower frequency varies throughout the year. The majority of meteor showers occur between August and November. Earth’s orbit takes it through the densest part of the meteoroid streams during this period. Some meteor showers, like the Perseid shower in August, have been observed for thousands of years.
Meteor shower intensity differs among events. The Geminid meteor shower is active, peaking on December 13-14 with 120 meteors per hour. The Quadrantid meteor shower follows, peaking on January 3-4 with 40 meteors per hour. The Perseid meteor shower ranks third, peaking on August 12-13 with 30 meteors per hour.
What is a double meteor shower?
Double meteor showers occur when two separate meteor showers peak at the same time. Observers will see increased amount of meteors per hour during peak times. The peak lasts from hours to days, depending on the showers involved. Earth encounters debris trails or parent bodies have orbits during meteor shower peaks. Astronomers and sky enthusiasts consider these events opportunities to observe multiple meteor showers simultaneously.
The 2013 Chelyabinsk-Cigar meteor shower resulted from Earth encountering debris trails of two asteroids. It produced a peak rate of over 100 meteors per hour. The 2019 Alpha Capricornid-Sigma Capricornid meteor shower occurred when Earth passed through debris trails of two comets. It had a peak rate of over 50 meteors per hour.
The Alpha Capricornid and Delta Aquariid meteor showers peak in late July and early August. Their radiant points are separated by 10 degrees, producing meteors with different velocities and trajectories. The Orionid and Taurid meteor showers peak in late October and early November. Their radiant points are separated by about 20 degrees, producing meteors with speeds and colors.