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Meteor Showers Calendar and Guide

This table lists some of the best-known meteor showers. If your location observes Daylight Saving Time, please add one hour to the time shown. All times given are listed in Eastern Time.

The best way to watch for meteors is to find a place with a clear view of the sky and arrange for deck chairs or some other comfortable rest. Warm clothing and a blanket—even in summer—are advisable. Another factor to consider is bright moonlight, which can considerably cut into the potential number of meteors that might be seen. If a gibbous or full Moon is present during your meteor watch, it will generally obliterate all but the very brightest of meteors.

NameMaximum ActivityHourly RateDirection and TimeSpeed
QuadrantidsJan 3-460-120Northeast 4 to 6 amMedium
LyridsApr 21-2210-20Overhead 2 to 4 amSwift streaks
Eta AquaridsMay 4-520-40Southeast 2 to 4 amVery swift, long paths
Delta AquaridsJul 28-2915-25South 1 to 3 amSlow, long paths
PerseidsAug 11-1350-100Northeast 2 to 4 amVery swift, rich display
OrionidsOct 21-2215-25South 2 to 4 amSwift streaks
South TauridsNov 2-410-20South 1 to 3 amVery slow, bright
North TauridsNov 12-1410-20South 12 to 2 amSlow fireballs
LeonidsNov 17-1810-15S/Southeast 4 to 6 amVery swift
GeminidsDec 13-1450-100Overhead 1 to 3 amMedium
UrsidsDec 22-2315-25North all nightMedium

Learn More About Each Meteor Shower Event

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