Meteor Showers - Star Walk
Enjoy the view of the shooting stars! Our meteor shower guides will help you pick the best night for meteor hunting.
starwalk.spaceHere are the latest reliable sources on upcoming meteor showers and when to watch them.
- Perseids, peak around August 12–13, 2026. The shower’s radiant is high in the northern sky, and forecasts suggest favorable conditions when the Moon is not bright that night. For skywatchers in Amsterdam, dark, clear skies after dusk will maximize visibility.[1][2]
- Geminids, peak around December 13–14, 2026. Known for bright, persistent meteors; peak visibility occurs late evening to pre-dawn, with a decent moon phase that year depending on the exact date.[2][1]
- Ursids, peak around December 21–22, 2026. Typically a lower-intensity shower but can still produce a nice show; viewing is best after midnight when radiant rises in the northern sky.[1][2]
- Quadrantids, peak around January 3–4, 2027. A strong, short-lived shower with a sharp peak; moon phase in early January 2027 can affect visibility, so darker skies improve results.[2][1]
- Lyrids, peak around April 21–22, 2027. Moderate activity with an occasional bright fireball; near-full Moon in 2027 may reduce visibility for this shower, so earlier hours offer the best chance if the Moon is bright.[1][2]
Tips for viewing from Amsterdam,North Holland:
- Choose nights with clear, dark skies and minimal moonlight; check local weather forecasts and moon phases for the actual night you plan to look up.
- Find a location away from city lights; a high vantage point with an unobstructed sky is ideal.
- Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark; bring a blanket, warm clothing, and a comfortable chair.
- Bring a meteor shower viewing plan: start with the shower’s radiant direction in mind but don’t stare at one spot; scan the whole sky for faster meteors as well.
If you’d like, I can tailor a viewing plan for your specific dates and give you a night-by-night calendar for 2026–2027 based on moon phases and local weather forecasts. I can also provide a simple, printable viewing checklist.
Citations:
- Meteor shower calendar and peak dates for major showers (Perseids, Geminids, Ursids, Quadrantids, Lyrids).[2][1]