Meteor showers to illuminate 2025 night skies
Stargazers have multiple opportunities in 2025 to witness meteor showers, with peaks offering up to 120 shooting stars per hour. The year's displays include the reliable Geminids and Perseids, visible from dark locations worldwide. Optimal viewing requires minimal light pollution and clear weather.
The Quadrantids kick off 2025 with a peak on January 3-4, potentially delivering up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This shower, radiant from the constellation Boötes, is swift and bright but short-lived, lasting only hours around midnight. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere have the best chance, as the moon's phase will be waning gibbous, slightly hindering fainter meteors.
April brings the Lyrids, peaking April 22-23 with about 18 meteors per hour. Originating from Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, these fast-moving fireballs are best seen after midnight from the Northern Hemisphere. The new moon phase ensures dark skies, enhancing visibility.
In May, the Eta Aquariids peak on May 6-7, offering around 30 meteors per hour, especially for Southern Hemisphere observers. Linked to Halley's Comet, they appear from midnight to dawn, with a waxing crescent moon not overly disruptive.
July features the Southern Delta Aquariids, peaking July 28-29 at 25 meteors per hour, favoring southern latitudes. A companion Northern Delta Aquariids adds to the display around the same time. The full moon may wash out fainter streaks.
The Perseids, one of the year's highlights, peak August 12-13 with up to 100 meteors per hour. Radiating from Perseus, they are reliable and include bright fireballs. Northern viewers should aim for pre-dawn hours, though a first-quarter moon could dim the show.
October's Orionids, from Halley's Comet, peak October 21-22 at 25 meteors per hour. Swift and from the famous Orion constellation, they favor the Northern Hemisphere after midnight, with a waning crescent moon aiding observation.
The Leonids peak November 17-18 with 15 meteors per hour, from Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Historically prone to storms, this year's display is expected to be modest, best post-midnight in the Northern Hemisphere under a new moon.
December's Geminids, peaking December 13-14, rival the Perseids with 120 meteors per hour from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Visible globally but stronger in the north, the full moon will challenge viewing, so seek moonless spots.
Finally, the Ursids cap the year on December 22-23 with 10 meteors per hour from Comet 8P/Tuttle. Northern observers may catch rare outbursts, with a waning gibbous moon present.
To maximize sightings, find dark-sky sites away from cities, lie back, and let eyes adjust for 30 minutes. No equipment needed beyond patience.