perseid meteor shower similar to Aurigid meteor showers
Perseid meteor shower in 2017. Image credit: By Ahmed abd elkader mohamed/ Wikimedia Commons
Summary
  • The Aurigid meteor shower gave skywatchers a rare spectacle at the end of August 2024.
  • Its distinctive blue-green meteors came from dust left by Comet Kiess centuries ago.
  • Scientists see the event as a valuable chance to study comet debris and its role in solar system history.

The Aurigid meteor shower will be visible from August 28 to September 5, 2025. It will peak on September 1, when people may see up to 10 meteors every hour, given the skies are clear and the place has minimal light pollution.

Origin of the Aurigids

The Aurigid meteor shower comes from the debris trail of Comet Kiess (C/1911 N1), a long-period comet that takes about 2,500 years to travel once around the Sun. The comet last passed through the inner solar system in 83 BC, leaving behind a thin stream of dust. When Earth moves through this stream, the particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating fast streaks of light.

When and Where to Watch

The radiant point of the Aurigids is in the constellation Auriga, between the stars Eta Aurigae and Theta Aurigae. The American Meteor Society notes that the best viewing comes from the northern hemisphere, especially in the hours before dawn when Auriga is highest in the sky. Observers should find a dark location away from city lights for the clearest view.

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.

Radiant Point of Aurigids

Meteor showers are named after the constellation where their radiant point lies. For the Aurigids, the radiant is in Auriga, a bright northern constellation visible in late summer skies.

Tips for Photographing the Aurigids

Capturing a meteor shower requires planning. The meteors move quickly and last only fractions of a second. Astronomers recommend using a wide-angle lens, long exposure settings, and a sturdy tripod to avoid blur. Pointing the camera slightly away from the radiant often captures longer streaks. For more detailed guidance, read our astrophotography guide.

Though short-lived, the Aurigids provide scientists with valuable data on comet dust and how it interacts with Earth’s atmosphere. For skywatchers, they offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness a rare and colorful display.

Nihal Sayyad is a physics undergraduate and amateur astronomer with a strong passion for space science and science communication. He writes about space exploration, celestial events, and scientific breakthroughs, aiming to make complex topics accessible to all. When he’s not writing, Nihal enjoys painting and sketching.

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