Check out our list of 12 meteor showers to stay late up for in 2024. The year is setting up to be a great one to get outside and behold some celestial fireworks. Five are in darker skies with the moon phase less than 50% full.
Be sure to read our meteor showers article if you are unfamiliar with terms such as “radiant point” or how to best prepare and view these wondrous events.
It’s also important to understand how long after sunset is dark enough to see the meteor showers. Learn more about the time it takes to become dark after sunset.
If you have a particular meteor shower of interest, use the “Article Contents” table above, which will take you directly to any of the showers on this list.
Quadrantids | Dec. 26, 2023 – Jan. 16, 2024 Meteor Shower
Peak Nights (Jan. 3-4, 2024)
Quick Points
- Active | Dec. 26, 2023 to Jan. 16, 2024
- Velocity | 25 miles/sec (40.2km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Bootes
- Radiant: 15:20 +49.7º
- Peak Activity on Jan. 3-4, 2024
- Moon will be 51% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids will arrive before the year ends on December 26, 2023, taking us into 2024 while finishing on January 16, 2024. Peak activity nights will be on January 3-4, 2024. Its pinnacle is a short window of activity, approximately six hours. The Moon will be at 51% illumination.
The Quandrantids and Geminids are the only two major annual showers whose source is not that of a periodic comet. Instead, the origin of its meteors comes from the asteroid 2003 EH1 which takes 5.52 years to orbit the Sun.
This asteroid was identified as the Quadrantids’ parent body by Dutch/American astronomer Peter Jenniskens in 2003. In an article written by Robert Lunsford for the American Meteor Society, he noted 2003 EH1 could be a “dead comet” or a new kind of object still being discussed by astronomers called a rock comet.
Expect good activity as the Quadrantids can produce an hourly rate of 25 meteors/hour with up to 100/hour on peak nights with optimal skies. In addition, due to its asteroid source, it is known for producing fireballs, which are not typical during most annual showers. Many miss these substantial showers because of the cold January weather and it not being well observed from the tropics due to the celestial latitude of the radiant.
When searching the night sky for the Quadrantids, look to the northern edge of the constellation Bootes. From here, the radiant will also appear close to the Big Dipper. See the illustration provided as a reference to locate the radiant.
Once you have located the radiant point of the Quadrantids, lie back on a sleeping bag, blanket, or folding chair, and look up into the sky. Face outward from where the meteors will appear, as this will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer. After 30 minutes, your eyes will acclimate to the darkness, and you will see more clearly.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Lyrids | April Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (April 21-22)
Quick Points
- Active | April 14, 2024 to April 30, 2024
- Velocity | 30 miles/sec (46.8km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Lyra
- Radiant: 18:04 +34º
- Peak Activity on April 21-22, 2024
- Moon will be 96% Full
About the Meteor Shower
This year, beginning April 14, 2024, the Lyrid meteor showers will start in the late evening, around 10:30 pm local time each night through April 30, 2024
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Peak activity will be on the nights of April 21-22, 2024. The Moon will be near full during peak activity. Not ideal conditions for stargazers with skies lighter and meteors more difficult to see.
Lyrids is one of the oldest known meteor showers, first documented in China in 687 BC. Its meteors originate from the debris trail of Comet Thatcher, first discovered in 1861 by amateur astronomer A.E Thatcher.
Since it takes Comet Thatcher approximately 415 years to orbit the Sun, it will not be seen again from here on Earth until 2,276 AD.
Lyrids is a medium-strength shower averaging about 15-20 meteors an hour. It is known to produce a good mix of fireballs and frequent glowing dust trains.
Occasionally, Lyrids will surprise viewers with what is referred to as an “outburst“. This rare event produces an average of 100 meteor sightings in an hour.
The last documented outburst producing major meteor showers here in the US occurred in 1982. However, some speculate these major showers run in 30 to 60-year cycles, as planetary orbits influence the comet’s debris trail. So we may be due any year to witness this event again.
The showers can be seen in both hemispheres but are best viewed in the northern hemisphere, where its radiant Lyra is high in the sky. Meteors will begin to appear after evening twilight and last throughout the late evening until dawn.
Look for the star Vega in the constellation Lyra. Vega is a vivid blue-white star, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. A little fun fact; Vega was the origin of the alien radio transmission in Carl Sagan’s movie ‘Contact‘. It’s about three times the width of our Sun and resides 25 Light years away from Earth.
Once you locate Vega within Lyra, lie back with your feet pointed East looking out from the Lyrid’s radiant point. This will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Eta Aquariids | April & May Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (May 5-6)
Quick Points
- Active | April 19, 2024 to May 28, 2024
- Velocity | 42 miles/sec (66.9km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Aquarius
- Radiant: 22:32 -1º
- Peak Activity on May 5-6, 2024
- Moon will be 6% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The meteors of Eta Aquariids are known for their speed and glowing trains. Traveling at 148,000/mph(66km/s), they provide a fantastic show to watch as they begin to appear on April 19, peaking on May 5-6 and ending on May 28, 2024.
It will be a dark sky this year during its peak as the Moon will only be 6% illuminated in a crescent Moon, making it ideal conditions for stargazing.
Because of the position of Eta Aquariid’s radiant in the sky, it is best viewed from the southern hemisphere but can be seen from both hemispheres. The showers will produce anywhere from 10 to 30 meteors per hour, with a higher amount being the norm during nights of peak activity.
The meteors of Eta Aquarid originate from the debris trail of a well-known comet, if not the most popular and most written about in world history, Halley’s Comet.
Halley, scientifically known as 1p/Halley, was only given its name once discovered and believed to be a comet in 1705, but humans have been experiencing it for millennia. Scientists estimate Halley has been making its 76-year trip around the Sun for more than 200,000 years.
It finally took astronomer Edmond Halley to figure out this comet was one and the same related to many written accounts made throughout the history of the world. He predicted it would return in 1758, and though he did not live to witness it, he was correct; Halley returned right on time as Edmond had calculated.
Halley has been speculated to have been documented by the Greeks in 466 BC and well documented by the Chinese Han Dynasty in 240 BC. It was seen during the Norman Conquest and depicted in a tapestry of the battle of Hastings in 1066.
Part of the lore of Famed author Mark Twain was being born and dying on years while Halley’s Comet was in the sky, passing Earth. It made its most recent flyby of Earth in 1986 and will make its next appearance in 2061.
Today’s meteors are from debris separated from Halley hundreds of years ago. Halley’s current orbit does not cross Earth’s orbit, as noted by Robert Lunsford with the American Meteor Society.
The constellation Aquarius is where observers should look in the sky while searching for the Eta Aquariids showers. First, find the brightest star in the constellation, Eta Aquarii. It will be in the lower left portion, referred to as the “Water Jug”. The star resides 168 light years away from Earth. It is 103 times more luminous and almost Three (3x) times the mass and radius of our Sun.
Once you have located the radiant point, sit back, and look up facing outward from where the Eta Aquariids will appear. It will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Southern Delta Aquariids | July – Aug. Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (July 30-31)
Quick Points
- Active | July 12, 2024 to Aug. 23, 2024
- Velocity | 26 miles/sec (41km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Aquarius
- Radiant: 22:40 -16.4º
- Peak Activity on July 28-29, 2024
- Moon will be 40% Full
About the Meteor Shower
Skywatchers will see The Southern Delta Aquariid’s arrival begin on July 12, 2024, and end on August 23, 2024. Peak nights of activity will be on July 28-29, 2024.
The showers are best viewed in the southern tropics or southern regions of the northern hemisphere. Expect 15-20 meteors per hour on peak nights in dark locations. The Moon will be at 40% illumination during a waxing Gibbous Moon, which is still optimal for a beautiful celestial night experience.
The meteors of the Southern Delta Aquariids are believed to originate from the debris trail of Comet 96P/Machholz, discovered by amateur astronomer Donald Machholz in 1986. According to NASA, the comet is approximately 4 miles wide and has a relatively short 5.24-year orbit around the Sun.
When viewing, search for the constellation Aquarius and find its 3rd brightest star Delta Aquarii also referred to by its Greek name Skat. It will be in the lower middle of Aquarius. Reference the illustration provided.
Once you have located the radiant point, we recommend lying back, stretching out on the ground, looking up, and facing outward from where the meteors will appear. It will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Alpha Capricornids | July – Aug. Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (July 28-29)
Quick Points
- Active | July 3, 2024 to Aug. 15, 2024
- Velocity | 15 miles/sec (24km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Capricorn
- Radiant: 20:28-10.2º
- Peak Activity on July 28-29, 2024
- Moon will be 40% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The celestial event known as the Alpha Capricornids will take the stage in 2024 on July 3rd and continue through August 15th. Peak nights will be on July 28-29.
Capricornids will be seen equally as well in both hemispheres. They are slower and less frequent, averaging 5-9 meteors per hour, but tend to be brighter than most other showers. This year, the Moon will only be 40% illuminated during a Gibbous Moon, making it ideal conditions for stargazers.
Miklos Konkoly-Thege, a Hungarian astronomer, in 1871 discovered the shower. Originally thought to be the result of multiple parent sources, Peter Jenniskens and Jeremie Vaulbailon, astronomers who have worked with the SETI Institute, discovered upon its return in 2005 that the shower’s origin comes from an Asteroid now known as 169P/NEAT.
According to Jenniskens and Vaulbailon, the shower was created nearly 5000 years ago due to the asteroid disintegrating, losing half of its body mass into dust particles.
The Earth continually moves further into this debris field, which is anticipated in 200 years to become a significant annual meteor shower producing much more intense showers known as meteor storms. The peak is expected to begin in 2220 AD and continue through 2420 AD.
The radiant is in the constellation Capricorn, close to the optical double star Alpha Capricornii. It is a binary star system, two stars in very close proximity when viewed from Earth but can be differentiated with the naked eye.
The stars reside approximately 860 light years from our solar system. They can be seen in the top right corner of the constellation, which is noted in the illustration provided.
Once you have located the radiant point, lie back to see the full scope of the sky, stretching out on the ground or upon a folding chair and facing outward from where the meteors will appear. It will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Perseids | July – Aug. Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (August 11-12)
Quick Points
- Active | July 17, 2024 to Aug. 24, 2024
- Velocity | 37 miles/sec (60km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Perseus
- Radiant: 03:12 +57.6º
- Peak Activity on August 11-12, 2024
- Moon will be 44% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The Perseids, one of the most well-known showers of the year, have been observed and referenced by humans for millennia. Known since Roman times as the “tears of St. Lawrence,” and inspiring both ancient and present pop culture with references in lyrics, music, novels, and art.
It’s the right mixture of warm summer nights with 50 to 75 high-speed meteors per hour, enchanting skywatchers as they react with quiet “ooohs” and “aahs”.
In 2024, The Perseids arrive on July 17th, ending on August 24th. Peak rate will be on the nights of August 11-12. The Moon will be at 44% illumination this year, a good setup for optimal viewing.
The meteors’ origins come from the debris trail of the Comet Swift Tuttle. It was discovered by two astronomers, Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle, in 1862 and has a periodic orbit of 133 years, with its last inner system passing of Earth in 1992.
Its next appearance will be again in 2125. Bill Cooke of NASA said, “The Perseids will be around for the next few centuries”. So thankfully, this experience isn’t ending any time soon.
The radiant point will be high in the sky in the constellation Perseus. Meteors will begin to appear around 10 pm local time while improving as the night gets later into the pre-dawn hours.
Once you have located the radiant point Perseus, lie back to see the full scope of the sky, stretching out on a sleeping bag, blanket, or folding chair. Face outward from where the meteors will appear, as this will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Southern Taurids | Sept. – Nov. Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (Oct. 9-10)
Quick Points
- Active | Sept. 10, 2024 to Nov.20, 2024
- Velocity | 17 miles/sec (28 km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Taurus
- Radiant: 02:08 +8.7º
- Peak Activity on Oct. 9-10, 2024
- Moon will be 42% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The Southern Taurids are the first of the Taurids in 2024, beginning on September 10th and ending on November 20th.
They are with us longer than most annual showers, remaining for over two months. Although not known for many meteors, 5 per hour, you can expect a higher percentage of fireballs. Bill Cooke from NASA believes the chances of seeing a fireball are pretty high during the Taurids.
Peak activity will be on the nights of October 9-10, 2024. The illumination of the Moon will be at 42%, making it a good night for stargazers.
The origins of the meteors come from the debris of Comet Encke. The debris field is quite large. Astronomers believe it to be the result of a much larger comet that broke apart 20,000 years ago, which accounts for the longer period of time it takes Earth to make its way through while experiencing the Taurids.
It was first discovered by astronomers Mechain and Charles Messier in 1786 and is the 2nd comet to be classified as “periodic”. At 3.3 years, it has the shortest orbit around the Sun of all the major comets in our solar system.
When trying to locate where the showers will appear in the sky, look for the radiant near the constellation Taurus. It will be close to the lower portion of the constellation, as shown in the illustration provided.
Once you have located the radiant point of Southern Taurids, stretch out on a sleeping bag, blanket, or folding chair and look into the sky. Face outward from where the meteors will appear, as this will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer. Allow 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Orionids | Oct.. – Nov. Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (October 20-21)
Quick Points
- Active | Oct. 2, 2024 to Nov. 7, 2024
- Velocity | 41 miles/sec (67km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Orion
- Radiant: 06:20 +15.5º
- Peak Activity on October 20-21, 2024
- Moon will be 83% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The Orionids will first appear in 2024 on October 2 through November 22. Peak activity will be on the nights of October 20-21. The Moon phase will be at 83% illumination, making seeing the smaller, fainter meteors more challenging.
Meteors can be seen after evening twilight, but the best viewing begins after midnight until dawn. It is at this time we are on the forward-facing side of Earth, moving into the debris field left behind by Halley’s Comet.
As we are traveling toward the meteors, they will appear to move faster and brighter with trails of illumination that can last from seconds to minutes. Earth is moving at 18.5 miles (29.8km) per second as it runs head-on into these meteors, some traveling in the opposite direction 41 miles (66km) per second, increasing the effect of speed and impact.
You can expect to see approximately 10 meteors an hour, double that average on peak nights. Most will burn out in a few of seconds, but there will be the occasional fireball.
NASA explains, when searching the skies for Orionids, first look to the constellation Orion, the hunter. This famous constellation is known for Orion’s belt, comprising of the 3 stars Alnilam, Mintaka, and Alnitak.
These stars reside 1200 to 2000 light-years away from Earth and quite a distance from each other but appear in the sky as a linear line, an illusion as if in close proximity.
Next, within Orion, find the brightest star, Betelgeuse. Its location can be seen in the illustration provided. The Orionids’ radiant will be just above the star Betelgeuse.
Once you have located the radiant point of Orionids, lie back to see the full scope of the sky, stretching out on a sleeping bag, blanket, or folding chair. Face outward from where the meteors will appear, as this will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Northern Taurids | Oct. – Dec. Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (November 11-12)
Quick Points
- Active | Oct. 20, 2024 to Dec. 10, 2024
- Velocity | 18 miles/sec (30km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Taurus
- Radiant: 03:52 +22.7º
- Peak Activity on Nov. 11-12, 2024
- Moon will be 79% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The Northern Taurids appear in 2024 on October 20th and end on December 10th. The skies will be challenging for viewing this year, with 79% of the Moon illuminated. Peak activity will be on the nights of November 11-12, 2024.
Expect the Taurid meteors to produce an hourly rate of about 5 meteors (10 during peak activity) at the slow-moving rate of 18 miles(30km)/sec. However, they do tend to produce some good fireballs, especially as the Northern and Southern Taurids overlap
The origin of the Northern Taurids is an asteroid, approximately 1km in diameter, named 2004 TG10. It is believed this asteroid and the Comet Encke (responsible for the Southern Taurids) both evolved from a parent, much larger comet, which broke apart approximately 20,000 years ago. This larger comet created many larger objects, which are now referred to as the Encke Complex.
Both the Northern and Southern Taurids are believed to have the possibility of producing fireballs and occasionally larger objects, remnants from the larger disintegrated comet.
The best times for viewing will be after midnight into the pre-dawn hours when the constellation Taurus will be high in the sky. The radiant will be located just between The Pleiades and Taurus, as shown in the illustration provided.
Once you have located the radiant point of Northern Taurids, lie back on a sleeping bag, blanket, or folding chair and look into the sky. Face outward from where the meteors will appear, as this will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer. Allow 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Leonids | November Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (November 16-17)
Quick Points
- Active | Nov. 6, 2024 to Nov. 30, 2024
- Velocity | 44 miles/sec (71km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Leo
- Radiant: 10:08 +21.6º
- Peak Activity on Nov. 16-17, 2024
- Moon will be 98% Full
About the Meteor Shower
This year, Leonids will begin to appear after dark on November 6, 2024, lasting nearly a month and ending on November 30, 2024. Peak nights will be on November 16-17. The Moon will be 98% illuminated during the peak, not making it ideal for the best stargazing.
The Leonids are known to produce bright meteors with a higher percentage of illuminating trains. Also, a particular type of meteor often seen in the evenings referred to as an earthgrazer. These are rare but memorable if you’re lucky enough to spot one streaking low on the horizon.
Like most of the annual showers, the best time for viewing is after midnight. But the Leonids tend to outperform in the last few hours before dawn as their radiant point, in the constellation Leo, is high in the sky.
The Meteors of Leonids originate from debris field of the Comet 55P/Temple-Tuttle, which has an orbital period of 33 years. It had been observed previously in history but only recognized as a periodic comet once it was discovered independently by two astronomers, Wilhelm Tempel in December 1865 and Horace Tuttle in January 1866.
When looking for the Leonids in the night sky, first search for the constellation Leo and locate its radiant point within the sickle formation of the constellation. Refer to the illustration provided as a visual.
Once you have located the radiant point of the Leonids, stretch out on a blanket, folding chair, or sleeping bag and allow your eyes to adjust to the dark sky. Next, face outward from where the meteors will appear, as this will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Geminids | December Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (Dec 13-14)
Quick Points
- Active | Dec. 11, 2024 to Dec. 20, 2024
- Velocity | 22 miles/sec (35km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Gemini
- Radiant: 07:28 +32.2º
- Peak Activity on Dec. 13-14, 2024
- Moon will be 97% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The Geminids are one of two annual showers which do not originate from a comet. Instead, they are from the debris trail of an asteroid, believed to be approximately 3.6 miles wide, named 3200 Phaethon.
They will appear in 2024 on the evening of December 11th and make their curtain call on December 20th. Peak activity is expected on the nights of December 13-14. They can also be seen in the southern hemisphere but only late in the night and less frequent.
Asteroid 3200 Phaethon has a 1.4-year orbit around the Sun. According to Nasa, it may be a “dead comet” or a new object under discussion in the scientific community called a “rock comet”. It does not develop a cometary tail as it approaches the Sun; its particles are denser than cometary flakes. Its characteristics are unusual compared to other asteroids and comets. After its discovery in 1983, astronomer Fred Whipple is credited with associating it as the parent source of the Geminids.
The Moon will be at 97% illumination during peak activity, making it very challenging for stargazers to see the smaller, fainter meteors. In the northern hemisphere, Gemini will be high in the sky around 10:00 pm local time but later in the night for the southern half. Geminids are known for their intense and bright colors.
When looking for the Geminids, search for the constellation Gemini and locate the star within Gemini, named Castor. It will be near its brother star Pollux and the fainter of the two. The meteors will appear from the radiant point just above Castor. You can reference this position in the illustration provided.
Once you have located the radiant point of the Geminids, lie straight back on a sleeping bag, blanket, or folding chair and allow your eyes to adjust to the night sky. Next, face outward from where the meteors will appear, as this will help the perspective of the meteors’ tails appear longer. After 30 minutes, your eyes will acclimate to the darkness and see more clearly.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Ursids | December Meteor Shower 2024
Peak Nights (Dec 21-22)
Quick Points
- Active | Dec. 17, 2024 to Dec. 26, 2024
- Velocity | 20.5 miles/sec (32km/sec)
- Where to Look | Constellation Ursa Minor
- Radiant: 14:28 +74.8º
- Peak Activity on Dec. 21-22, 2024
- Moon will be 59% Full
About the Meteor Shower
The Ursids begin on December 17, 2024, and end a day after Christmas, December 26, 2024. Peak activity will be on the nights of December 21-22. The Moon will be at 59% illumination, making seeing the smaller, fainter meteors a bit more challenging.
Since the Ursids are so close to the active Geminids and the holiday season, they tend to get less attention. But take notice, as there have been years when the Ursids have had occasional outbursts of 25 or more meteors an hour. So they are one to watch.
According to NASA, the meteors’ origin comes from comet 8P/Tuttle, discovered by astronomer Horace Tuttle in 1858. It has a diameter of 2.8 miles(4.5km) and spends 13.6 years completing one orbit around the Sun.
A little side fact regarding the portion of the comet’s title “8P”. It means the comet was the eighth to be classified as a periodic comet. This classification is technically defined as a comet with an orbit of fewer than 200 years. For example, Halley’s comet was the first comet to be given this classification and is called comet 1P/Halley. Names are determined by guidelines set by the International Astronomical Union.
Because the Radiant point does not clear the horizon in the southern hemisphere until early morning twilight, the Ursids is a northern hemisphere event only.
When searching for the Ursids in the night sky, find the constellation Ursa Minor, also famously known as the Little Dipper. As shown in the illustration provided, the radiant will be just above the cup portion of the constellation.
Once you have located the radiant point of the Ursids, stretch out on a sleeping bag, blanket, or folding chair, looking up into the sky. Next, face outward from where the meteors will appear, as it will help the perspective of the tails appear longer. After 30 minutes, your eyes will acclimate to the darkness and see more clearly.
Check out more of our Observation tips and recommendations.
Enjoy the show!
Conclusion
There are many opportunities to get out and experience these spectacular events and reflect by ourselves or share with friends and family. Either way, I hope this helps you plan and set aside time to enjoy one of these celestial shows in 2024.
***Predicted dates and peak times for 2024 meteor showers are sourced from the International Meteor Organization. Note that peak times are estimates and may vary.
