Many people are fans of shooting stars and meteor showers. Throughout the year there are different types of meteor showers that can weaken us with an enchanting night. However, you have to know well what the dates and peak times are when there are the greatest number of meteors per hour.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you what they are. The best dates and places to see shooting stars.
Shooting stars 2024: best dates and places
The Quadrantid Meteor Shower of January 3 and 4
During the period from December 28 to January 12, the radiant location of the meteor shower in the Bootes constellation will be visible from the Northern Hemisphere. With 46% lunar illumination, the meteor shower is expected to have an average speed of 80 meteors per hour. Additionally, the main body of the meteor shower is associated with the asteroid 2003 EH1.
Under optimal circumstances, This magnificent meteor stream has the potential to deliver numerous shooting stars every hour.. Surprisingly, this year its pinnacle aligns with the first quarter moon. For a brief period after sunset, when the moon has not yet risen, the night sky will be shrouded in darkness, presenting the ideal opportunity to observe meteors. Additionally, even in the days following the peak, bright fireballs can still be glimpsed lighting up the skies.
Lyrid star shower on the nights of April 22 and 23
From April 14 to 30, everyone will have the opportunity to witness the Lyra meteor shower, which boasts an impressive rate of 18 meteors per hour. Furthermore, with 98% lunar illumination, the main body of the shower, comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, will be visible to all.
The International Meteor Organization reports that the Lyrids, a moderate intensity meteor shower, has the potential to create dazzling fireballs. Unfortunately, in 2024, the peak of the Lyrids will coincide with the Full Moon, causing most meteors to be obscured by the Moon's luminosity.
Eta Aquarid meteor shower May 5 and 6
During the period from April 19 to May 28, everyone will have the opportunity to witness the Aquarius meteor shower, which is associated with Halley's Comet. With a lunar illumination of 9% you can expect an average of 50 meteors per hour.
The Eta Aquarids have the potential to generate an impressive display of up to 50 shooting stars per hour when viewed from latitudes in the southern hemisphere. This year the conditions for observation are optimal, since the luminosity of the Moon will not hinder your vision, giving you the entire night to witness this celestial spectacle.
Meteor shower from the Southern Delta Aquarids on the nights of July 30 and 31
During the active period from July 12 to August 23, everyone will have the opportunity to observe the meteor shower coming from the radiant place of Aquarius, with an hourly rate of 25 meteors and a lunar illumination of 15%, all thanks to the presence of the main body, comet 96P/Machholz.
For those residing in the southern hemisphere, the Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower is a can't-miss celestial event. Although its meteors have a subtle luminosity that can be difficult to detect under less than ideal viewing circumstances, their abundance makes them worth the effort. This year, the peak of the Southern Delta Aquarids aligns with the period just after the first quarter moon, and the radiant remains visible until dawn.
Don't worry, there is a silver lining: NASA assures us that we will have another opportunity to witness the Delta Aquarid meteors in August, coinciding with the peak of the Perseids. If you see a meteor originating in the southern region of the sky, which is where the constellation Aquarius resides, you can be sure it is a Delta Aquarids meteor. Note that the radiant Perseid can be found in the northern part of the sky.
Perseids from August 12 to 13
During the active period from July 17 to August 24, stargazers in the northern hemisphere can witness the impressive spectacle of 100 meteors per hour coming from the radiant place of Perseus, all while the moon lights up the sky at 53% brightness. This celestial phenomenon is attributed to the main body, comet Swift-Tuttle.
The Perseids, known as the most important meteor shower over the equator, maintain this distinction for valid reasons: their peak occurs on warm August nights and produces a multitude of fast, luminous meteors. In the year 2024, the First Quarter Moon phase will coincide with the zenith of rainfall. However, as the radiant ascends, the Moon will descend below the horizon, ceasing to be a hindrance.
Therefore, In favorable weather conditions, it is possible to witness an impressive spectacle of up to 100 meteors per hour. For optimal viewing, it is recommended to view the Perseids from midnight to dawn, when they shine highest in the sky.
Orionids of October 21 and 22
During the period from October 2 to November 7, Halley's Comet will be the main attraction in the night sky, with a radiant location in the constellation Orion. With 49% lunar illumination, viewers everywhere will have the opportunity to witness an average of 20 meteors per hour.
The Orionids, known for their intermittent increases in intensity, are a moderate intensity meteor shower. From 2006 to 2009, the American Meteor Society reported that the peak frequencies of the Orionids mirrored those of the Perseids, with an impressive display of 50 to 75 meteors per hour. However, this year the peak of the Orionids coincides with the Full Moon, which has a significant impact on the visibility of the meteors due to the brightness of the lunar light.
On November 17 and 18, the Leonids
During the active period from November 6 to 30, everyone will have the opportunity to see Comet Tempel-Tuttle, with a lunar illumination of 92% and a meteor rate of 10 per hour, coming from the radiant location in Leo.
Famous for their impressive meteor storms, the Leonids have left an indelible mark on the memories of stargazers. An excellent example of its impressive display occurred in 1966, when witnesses across the United States marveled at seeing between 40 and 50 meteors crossing the sky every second. Unfortunately, in 2024, the peak of the Leonids will coincide with the Full Moon, dashing our hopes of seeing any meteors.
December 14 and 15 the Geminids
During the active period from December 4 to 20, everyone will have the opportunity to witness the Gemini meteor shower, with an impressive speed of 150 meteors per hour, an almost full moon illumination of 99% and whose main body will be asteroid 3200 Phaeton.
The Geminids, famous for their impressive display, are among the most impressive meteor showers of the year. These meteors possess vivid brilliance, are abundant in number, adorned with vibrant hues and gracefully traverse the celestial expanse. In the year 2024, the peak of Geminid activity aligns with the period immediately preceding the Full Moon. Those who are lucky enough to find themselves Below the 30°N latitude mark you will be able to enjoy approximately one hour of unobstructed viewing after moonset, while the radiant point remains high in the night sky.
The Ursid meteor shower of December 22 and 23
During the period from December 17 to 26, stargazers in the northern hemisphere will have the opportunity to witness the impressive sight of 10 meteors per hour, with a lunar illumination of 44%. The radiant, located in Ursa Minor, is associated with the main body of comet 8P/Tuttle.
During the December solstice the Ursid meteor shower takes place, resulting in a modest display of between 5 and 10 shooting stars per hour. Despite being overshadowed by the more prominent Geminid shower that occurs a week earlier, the Ursids should not be overlooked. Unlike the Geminids, The Ursids are less impacted by the Moon this year, making it an opportune time to witness this celestial event. With the last quarter moon rising late at night, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacle against a dark sky.
As you can see, although in some situations we find that the full moon is going to bother us to be able to see the meteor shower, we can enjoy quite a few shooting stars this year.