The Aurigid meteor shower is a lesser-known but beautiful celestial event that peaks in early September. This shower is a great opportunity for observers with a clear view of the northern sky. While the hourly rate is low, the Aurigids can occasionally produce bright, fast-moving meteors for those with patience.
- Duration: August 28–September 5, 2025.
- Predicted Peak: September 1, 2025.
- Hourly Rate: The zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) is expected to be around 6 meteors per hour.
- Radiant: The radiant point is in the constellation Auriga, near its brightest star, Capella.
- Parent Body: Comet C/1911 N1 (Kiess).
- Moon Phase: The moon will be in its last quarter phase, which may cause some interference, but it will set before dawn, providing a period of dark sky for observation.
Radiant Point of the Aurigid Meteor Shower
The Aurigids appear to radiate from the constellation Auriga, the Charioteer, which rises high in the northeastern sky during the early morning hours of early September. The radiant point lies near the bright star Capella, one of the most prominent stars in the northern sky.
While the meteors seem to come from this spot, they can streak across any part of the sky. Observing from a location with wide, unobstructed views overhead offers the best chance to catch these swift meteors.
Parent Body of the Aurigid Meteor Shower
The Aurigids originate from Comet C/1911 N1 (Kiess), a long-period comet with an orbital period of about 2,000 years. This means the comet visits the inner solar system only once every two millennia.
As Earth passes through the comet’s debris trail each September, the particles burn in our atmosphere and create the Aurigid meteors. The rarity of the comet’s return makes the Aurigids scientifically interesting, since the debris stream is much older and more diffuse compared to those of short-period comets.
History of the Aurigid Meteor Shower
The Aurigids are usually a minor shower, producing only a handful of meteors per hour, but they have shown dramatic outbursts in certain years. One of the most notable occurred in 1935, when activity briefly spiked. More recently, in 2007, skywatchers observed a sudden burst of activity with up to 120 meteors per hour, catching many by surprise.
These rare increases happen when Earth passes through a denser portion of the comet’s debris stream, though predicting them is difficult. Because of this unpredictability, the Aurigids hold a special place among meteor showers as a reminder of the dynamic and evolving nature of our solar system.
What Makes the Aurigids Unique
Unlike many meteor showers, the Aurigids often show a blue-green color, caused by the composition of the cometary dust. This distinctive hue makes them stand out from other showers. The Aurigids are also rare, as the stream of dust from Comet Kiess only intersects Earth’s orbit once every 70 years.
How to Observe a Meteor Shower?
The Aurigid Meteor Shower, like most meteor showers, does not require any telescope or binoculars. In fact, wide, unobstructed views of the sky are best. Here are some practical tips to maximize your experience:
- Light pollution is your biggest enemy. Head away from towns for clearer skies.
- Night vision builds slowly; stay in the dark for 30 minutes before expecting to see many meteors.
- Meteors can streak anywhere, so don’t stare only at the radiant.
- Dress as if you’re camping in winter. Warmth keeps you watching longer.
- Take a thermos, extra clothes, and something soft to sit on.
Refer to our Meteor Shower Calendar!
