Ultimate Guide to Meteor Showers in 2025

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Looking for a reason to step outside and take in the night sky? Meteor showers provide a perfect excuse to relax under the stars, away from the distractions of daily life. As these celestial events unfold, they beckon stargazers to enjoy the spectacle of nature’s fireworks, making the investment in a cozy blanket or chair truly worthwhile.

Mark your calendars for the notable meteor showers occurring in 2025. Prepare yourself with some coffee and get ready to witness the beauty of the cosmos.

April 17-26: The Lyrid Meteor Shower

Peak: April 21-22
Moon Impact: Medium

With records of sightings dating back over 2,700 years, the Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest known. During its peak, observers can witness between 10 to 20 meteors per hour, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Those in the Southern Hemisphere might catch fewer, but the experience is still rewarding. The best time to view the Lyrids is in the hours leading up to dawn. A helpful tip for spotting Lyrids is to look towards the star Vega, part of the Lyra constellation, which marks the radiant point of this meteor shower.

What is the radiant point of a meteor shower?

The term “radiant point” refers to the location in the sky from which meteors seem to emerge during a meteor shower.

April 15-May 27: The Eta Aquarids Shower

Peak: May 4-5
Moon Impact: Low

Originating from the debris trails of Halley’s Comet, the Eta Aquarids can be admired from both hemispheres. At its peak, this shower may yield between 10 to 50 meteors every hour, traveling at high speeds of about 40.7 miles per second and often creating stunningly bright streaks that can last several seconds. While those in the Southern Hemisphere typically have a better perspective, all stargazers should seize the opportunity to wake up early and enjoy this impressive night sky display.

July 7-Aug. 15: The Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower

Peak: July 30-31
Moon Impact: Low

Emerging from Comet 169P/NEAT, the Alpha Capricornids reach their peak on July 30. The viewing experience is favorable in both hemispheres, and with the moon in its crescent phase (27 percent full), interference from lunar light will be minimal. Night sky enthusiasts should prepare to observe this shower by gazing towards the Capricornus constellation.

July 18-Aug. 12: The Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower

Peak: July 29-30
Moon Impact: None

Best seen in the Southern Hemisphere and southern areas of the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Delta Aquariids typically provide about 25 meteors per hour. However, these meteors can be more challenging to spot due to their faint nature in areas with light pollution. Fortunately, on the peak night of July 29, the moon will set early, offering excellent dark sky conditions for those positioned away from urban lights.

July 17-Aug. 23: The Perseids Meteor Shower

Peak: Aug. 12-13
Moon Impact: High

Known for its dramatic displays, the Perseids can produce between 50 to 75 meteors per hour at peak. Unfortunately, the presence of a waning gibbous moon (86 percent illumination) on the night of Aug. 12 will likely obscure all but the brightest meteors. Stargazers in darker locations will have the best chance of experiencing this renowned shower. To spot the radiant, look north towards the constellation Perseus.

Oct. 6-10: The Draconids Meteor Shower

Peak: Oct. 8
Moon Impact: High

Unlike most meteor showers best observed in the early morning hours, the Draconids shine brightest just after sunset. This shower, deriving from debris of Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, typically yields around eight to 10 meteors per hour during dark sky conditions. However, with a full supermoon on Oct. 8, visibility could be compromised, though the Draconids may still present unexpected bursts of activity that could be spectacular, according to some meteorological predictions.

Oct. 2-Nov. 12: The Orionids Meteor Shower

Peak: Oct. 21-22
Moon Impact: None

Also from the remnants of Halley’s Comet, the Orionids shower boasts an average of 10 to 20 meteors per hour at peak, and they tend to be quite bright. This year’s new moon on the night of Oct. 21 will provide ideal conditions for viewing, making it an excellent opportunity for stargazers to position themselves towards the constellation Orion during the early morning hours.

Oct. 13-Dec. 1: The Taurids Meteor Shower

Peak: Nov. 4-9
Moon Impact: High

The Taurids consist of two streams: the South Taurids, peaking on November 5, and the North Taurids on November 9. Though the average rate is low at about five meteors per hour (or ten during the overlap), these meteors are generally slow and exceptionally bright. This year, stargazers will contend with a nearly full moon obscuring visibility, emphasizing the need to observe in the early morning hours toward the constellation Taurus to catch this shower.

Nov. 3-Dec. 2: The Leonids Meteor Shower

Peak: Nov. 16-17
Moon Impact: Low

The Leonids meteor shower is famous for its past spectacular storms, notably in 1966 and 1833, when thousands of meteors were visible at once. While similar events are rare, the Leonids typically produce around 10 to 15 meteors per hour in most years. In 2025, a waning crescent moon will provide minimal interference on the peak night, allowing enthusiasts to observe even the fainter meteors.

Dec. 1-21: The Geminids Meteor Shower

Peak: Dec. 12-13
Moon Impact: Low

The Geminids shower is anticipated to be a highlight this year, with nearly no interference from a late-rising waning crescent moon. Observers may see between 100 to 120 meteors per hour on the peak evening of Dec. 11. While the radiant point is in the Gemini constellation, these meteors can appear throughout the night sky. Noted for their brightness and color, this shower promises a spectacular display for all who take the time to watch.

Dec. 16-26: The Ursids Meteor Shower

Peak: Dec. 21-22
Moon Impact: None

The Ursids bring 2025 to a close with a modest shower that can yield between five to ten meteors per hour under normal conditions. However, occasional outbursts can drastically increase this number. With the December solstice occurring simultaneously and a waxing crescent moon (2 percent illumination) providing favorable conditions, observers should look towards the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor for the radiant point of this unpredictable yet intriguing shower.

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