Peak dates are approximate annual dates. Ratings reflect only modeled Moon illumination at noon UTC, not local visibility. ZHR assumes a dark sky and an overhead radiant; actual counts are usually lower. Check IMO annual predictions and local weather before observing.

Meteor Shower Calendar

Overnight October 21–22 · moonset dark window until dawn

Next Meteor Shower

Leonids

Approximate peak: 2026-11-17 · Ideal ZHR: 15

Approximate annual peak date; activity spans several nights.

Quadrantids

Jan 1 – Jan 6

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 01-03

ZHR: 120/hr

Speed: 41 km/s

Moon: Severe

One of the strongest annual meteor showers with a very short peak of about 6 hours. Best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere.

Radiant: Boötes · Parent: Asteroid 2003 EH1

Lyrids

Apr 16 – Apr 25

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 04-22

ZHR: 18/hr

Speed: 49 km/s

Moon: Moderate

One of the oldest known meteor showers, observed for over 2,700 years. Known for occasional bright fireballs.

Radiant: Lyra · Parent: Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher

Eta Aquariids

Apr 19 – May 28

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 05-05

ZHR: 50/hr

Speed: 66 km/s

Moon: Strong

Produced by debris from Halley's Comet. Best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere and tropical latitudes.

Radiant: Aquarius · Parent: Comet 1P/Halley

Southern Delta Aquariids

Jul 12 – Aug 23

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 07-30

ZHR: 25/hr

Speed: 41 km/s

Moon: Severe

A moderate shower best seen from southern latitudes. Often overlaps with the early Perseids.

Radiant: Aquarius · Parent: Comet 96P/Machholz

Perseids

Jul 17 – Aug 24

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 08-12

ZHR: 100/hr

Speed: 59 km/s

Moon: None

The most popular meteor shower. Reliably produces bright meteors and occasional fireballs in warm summer weather.

Radiant: Perseus · Parent: Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle

Draconids

Oct 6 – Oct 10

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 10-08

ZHR: 10/hr

Speed: 20 km/s

Moon: None

Usually modest but can produce occasional outbursts. Slow-moving meteors best viewed in early evening.

Radiant: Draco · Parent: Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner

Orionids

Oct 2 – Nov 7

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 10-21

ZHR: 20/hr

Speed: 66 km/s

Moon: Strong

The second annual shower from Halley's Comet debris. Fast-moving meteors with persistent trains.

Radiant: Orion · Parent: Comet 1P/Halley

Leonids

Nov 6 – Nov 30

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 11-17

ZHR: 15/hr

Speed: 71 km/s

Moon: Significant

Famous for producing meteor storms roughly every 33 years. The fastest common meteors at 71 km/s.

Radiant: Leo · Parent: Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle

Geminids

Dec 4 – Dec 20

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 12-14

ZHR: 150/hr

Speed: 35 km/s

Moon: Minor

The strongest and most reliable annual meteor shower. Unusual parent body is an asteroid rather than a comet.

Radiant: Gemini · Parent: Asteroid 3200 Phaethon

Ursids

Dec 17 – Dec 26

★★★★★

▼

Approx. peak: 12-22

ZHR: 10/hr

Speed: 33 km/s

Moon: Severe

A modest shower near the winter solstice. Can occasionally surprise with enhanced rates.

Radiant: Ursa Minor · Parent: Comet 8P/Tuttle

v4.6-64-g5613a77d0-6512-5613a77