There are over 100 well-defined meteor showers, and we pare these down to the absolute best visible meteor showers occurring in 2019.
A guide to our guide
In the guide below, we’ll identify each major meteor shower occurring in 2019, and we’ll list the date that the best maximum viewing occurs, as well as, the best average hourly rate of visible meteors during ideal conditions – which are defined by very dark skies when the moon is no longer visible and viewed in an area free of light pollution.
The best meteor showers for 2019
For 2019 there are ten meteor showers that will offer the best viewing. Below are the dates for maximum peak viewing these spectacular celestial events.
Quadrantid
January 4: Peak viewing occurs on January 4 during the early morning hours. It will be visible in the constellation of Draco(NE). The peak average hourly rate expected is 60-100.
Lyrid
April 16-25: Peak viewing occurs on April 23 during the early morning hours, however, strong moonlight will interfere with visibility. It will be visible in the constellation of Lyra(E). The peak average hourly rate expected is 10-20.
Eta Aquariid
May 4-6: Peak viewing occurs on May 6 during the early morning hours. It will be visible in the constellation of Aquarius(E). The peak average hourly rate expected is 20-60.
Delta Aquariid
July 29: Peak viewing occurs on July 29 during the early morning hours. It will be visible in the constellation of Aquarius(S). The peak average hourly rate expected is 20.
Perseid
August 12-13: Peak viewing occurs on August 13 during the early morning hours, however, strong moonlight will interfere with visibility. It will be visible in the constellation of Perseus(NE). The peak average hourly rate expected is 90.
Orionid
October 22-23: Peak viewing occurs on October 23 during the early morning hours, however, strong moonlight will interfere with visibility. It will be visible in the constellation of Orion(SE). The peak average hourly rate expected is 10-20.
Southern Taurid
November 5: Peak viewing occurs on November 5 during the early morning hours, however, strong moonlight will interfere with visibility. It will be visible in the constellation of Taurus(S). The peak average hourly rate expected is 10-20.
Leonid
November 18: Peak viewing occurs on November 18 during the early morning hours, however, strong moonlight will interfere with visibility. It will be visible in the constellation of Leo(E). The peak average hourly rate expected is 10-20.
Geminid
December 14: Peak viewing occurs on December 14 during the early morning hours, however, strong moonlight will interfere with visibility. It will be visible in the constellation of Gemini(S). The peak average hourly rate expected is 100-120.
Ursid
December 23: Peak viewing occurs on December 23 during the early morning hours. It will be visible in the constellation of Ursa Minor(N). The peak average hourly rate expected is 10.
