Next major shower
Perseids peak
One of the year's richest showers, with frequent bright fireballs.
Tonight
Plan for the next peak
Meteor shower guide
Find the next major showers, when to watch, where to look, expected activity, and how moonlight affects what you may actually see.
Your observing point
Annual calendar
Upcoming meteor showers
01
Perseids peak
One of the year's richest showers, with frequent bright fireballs.
- Best after midnight
- 67° radiant altitude toward NE
- Northern Hemisphere favored
02
Draconids peak
An unusual evening shower with a variable rate that can occasionally produce brief outbursts.
- Best in the evening
- 65° radiant altitude toward NW
- Northern Hemisphere favored
03
Orionids peak
Swift meteors from Halley's Comet crossing the autumn sky.
- Best after midnight
- 62° radiant altitude toward S
- Visible from both hemispheres
04
Southern Taurids peak
A long, gentle shower known for slow meteors and occasional brilliant fireballs.
- Best around midnight
- 59° radiant altitude toward S
- Visible from both hemispheres
05
Northern Taurids peak
A low-rate shower whose slow, bright fireballs can be more memorable than its hourly count.
- Best around midnight
- 67° radiant altitude toward S
- Visible from both hemispheres
06
Leonids peak
Very fast meteors that can leave persistent glowing trains.
- Best after midnight
- 65° radiant altitude toward SE
- Visible from both hemispheres
07
Geminids peak
A prolific shower with slow, colorful meteors and a long peak.
- Best around midnight
- 78° radiant altitude toward S
- Visible from both hemispheres
08
Ursids peak
A modest northern shower near the December solstice.
- Best before dawn
- 56° radiant altitude toward N
- Northern Hemisphere favored
You need a wide sky
Do not stare only at the radiant. Face the darkest, widest part of the sky and let your eyes relax; meteors can appear anywhere.
Give your eyes 20 minutes
Avoid bright screens and white flashlights. Dark adaptation makes the difference between seeing only the brightest meteors and noticing faint trails.
The advertised rate is ideal
ZHR assumes a perfectly dark sky with the radiant overhead. Clouds, city glow, moonlight, horizon obstructions, and radiant height reduce the real count.