When is the next meteor shower?

The next major meteor shower is the Lyrids, peaking around April 22, 2026. Check our calendar for all upcoming showers throughout 2026.

What is the best meteor shower to watch?

The Perseids (August) and Geminids (December) are typically the best, producing 100-150 meteors per hour at their peak.

How to watch meteor showers?

Find a dark location, let your eyes adapt for 20-30 minutes, lie down and look up. No telescope needed - meteor showers are best seen with naked eyes.

What causes meteor showers?

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets. The small particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light.

Meteor Shower Calendar

Track upcoming meteor showers with peak dates, expected rates, and viewing tips.

Sky Tonight Satellite Passes Aurora Forecast

Next Major Shower

Orionids

Peak: October 21

Expected Rate20-25/hr

Best Viewing44 days

Visible InBoth Hemispheres

2026 Meteor Showers

Quadrantids

Boötes constellation

Past

The first major meteor shower of the year, originating from asteroid 2003 EH1.

Peak DateJan 3

Hourly Rate110-120/hr

Northern Hemisphere

Lyrids

Lyra constellation

Past

One of the oldest known meteor showers, with records dating back 2,700 years.

Peak DateApr 22

Hourly Rate18-20/hr

Northern Hemisphere

Eta Aquariids

Aquarius constellation

Past

Produced by debris from Halley's Comet, best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere.

Peak DateMay 5

Hourly Rate50-60/hr

Southern Hemisphere

Delta Aquariids

Aquarius constellation

Past

Best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere, this shower overlaps with the Perseids.

Peak DateJul 30

Hourly Rate20-25/hr

Southern Hemisphere

Perseids

Perseus constellation

Past

The most popular meteor shower, known for bright meteors and fireballs.

Peak DateAug 12

Hourly Rate100-150/hr

Northern Hemisphere

Orionids

Orion constellation

44 days

Another shower from Halley's Comet, known for fast meteors.

Peak DateOct 21

Hourly Rate20-25/hr

Both Hemispheres

Leonids

Leo constellation

71 days

Known for periodic storms, this shower originates from comet Tempel-Tuttle.

Peak DateNov 17

Hourly Rate10-15/hr

Northern Hemisphere

Geminids

Gemini constellation

98 days

The most reliable meteor shower, with multicolored meteors.

Peak DateDec 14

Hourly Rate120-150/hr

Northern Hemisphere

Ursids

Ursa Minor constellation

106 days

A minor shower originating from comet 8P/Tuttle.

Peak DateDec 22

Hourly Rate5-10/hr

Northern Hemisphere

Meteor Shower Viewing Tips

🌙

Check the Moon Phase
A bright moon can outshine all but the brightest meteors.

🌃

Find Dark Skies
Get away from city lights for the best experience.

👀

Let Your Eyes Adapt
It takes 20-30 minutes for eyes to fully adjust to darkness.

🪑

Lie Down & Look Up
A reclining chair or blanket lets you view more sky comfortably.

☕

Be Patient
Give yourself at least an hour - meteor activity comes in waves.

📱

Skip the Phone
Phone screens ruin night vision. Red flashlight only!