The next big meteor shower could see a big ‘bang’, say scientists

If you saw a lot of “shooting stars” this weekend during the peak of the Perseid meteor showeryou probably have a burning question that you need an answer to: when is the next one?

There are about a dozen meteor showers per year. The annual maximum dates are completely predictable because the Earth’s orbit around the sun is mapped and known. Meteor showers are the result of dust and debris left in the inner solar system by comets. Crucially, it’s only when those streams of material travel through Earth’s orbital path around the sun that we can experience a meteor shower.

If the Perseids are the most popular meteor shower of the year, they’re not entirely the most prolific. Also, there is a good chance that this December may see not only the peak of the Geminids meteor shower, known to be the most prolific of all, but also a surprise outburst from the Andromedas meteor shower, which has not been active for more than a year. decade.

Here’s everything you need to know about the five upcoming meteor showers in the remaining months of 2023:

1. Orionid Meteor Shower

Friday/Saturday October 20/21 reaches the peak of an annual meteor shower caused by The most famous comet in the world: 1P Halley. Expect around 20 “shooting stars” per hour at peak, though with a first quarter moon they’ll be hard to see in a bleached night sky. This one to miss.

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2. Leonid Meteor Shower

Peaking during the night of Friday/Saturday November 17/18, 2023, the Leonid meteor shower is known for bright meteors with persistent trains. Expect around 10-20 “shooting stars” per hour. The moon will be a crescent crescent, leaving a dark sky after midnight. A good night for stargazing with a higher chance of seeing a few “shooting stars.”

3. Andromeda Meteor Shower

In early December, which sees moonless night skies, you could see a surprise meteor shower producing about 200 “shooting stars” at its peak. It has not been active for many decades, but a paper claims the Andromedas meteor shower could impress in 2023. Known for spectacular outbursts in 1872 and 1885, when it produced thousands of meteors per hour, the Andromedas is predicted to bring “moderate to strong” activity in 2023 and 2036 and ” observers should be vigilant.” alert.”

4. Geminid Meteor Shower

One of the most prolific meteor showers of the year, the Geminids will peak on Wednesday/Thursday December 13/14, 2023. It is possible to see up to 120 multicolored “shooting stars” per hour. The peak occurs just one day after New Moon, so the conditions for the Geminids this year are perfect. As a bonus, Earth may encounter a stream of debris from comet 46P/Wirtanen on December 10-12, according to universe today. This one is worth making a plan to watch.

5. Ursids Meteor Shower

The Ursids only produce about 10 “shooting stars” per hour at peak, which is Thursday/Friday December 21/22, 2023. The moon will be well past the first quarter, making the night sky bright. This is one to miss.

The best ways to see a meteor shower

All meteor showers are best viewed in the early hours after midnight from a location away from light pollution. Grab a recliner, a blanket (either to lie on and/or wrap around), turn off your smartphone (its white light will kill your night vision) and keep your eyes on the sky. Dress warmly whatever the time of year, have plenty of snacks and hot drinks, and take frequent breaks.

Seeing a lot of “shooting stars” takes patience and dedication, and when you see a brilliant “ball of fire”, it’s all worth it!

I wish you clear skies and wide eyes.

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