The phenomenon of shooting stars , also known as meteors , has fascinated people around the world for centuries. In 2025, astronomy enthusiasts will have many opportunities to admire these extraordinary phenomena in the night sky. In this article, you'll learn when the shooting stars occur , which meteor showers will be visible, and how to best prepare for them.
What are shooting stars?
Shooting stars is a common term for meteors , which are light trails left by meteoroids burning up in Earth's atmosphere. When a meteoroid enters the atmosphere, its speed can reach up to 70 km/s, causing intense heating and ionization of the air, creating bright streaks of light. It's worth noting that not all meteors are visible to the naked eye, and their number and intensity depend on the specific meteor shower.
Differences between meteors and meteorites
It's important to understand the difference between a meteor and a meteorite . A meteor is a phenomenon we observe in the sky, while a meteorite is a fragment of a meteoroid that survived its passage through the atmosphere and reached Earth's surface. Every day, between 100 and 1,000 tons of cosmic material passes through our atmosphere, but most of it burns up before reaching Earth.
The most important meteor showers in 2025
The year 2025 is full of interesting meteor showers . Here are the most important ones:
1. Perseids
- Active time: July 17 - August 24
- Peak: August 12
- Number of meteors: over 100 per hour
2. Draconids
- Active time: October 6-10
- Peak: October 8
- Meteor count: variable, difficult to estimate
3. Leonids
- Active time: November 14-21
- Peak: November 17
4. Geminids
- Active time: December 7-17
- Peak: December 14
- Number of meteors: up to 120 per hour
How to prepare for observing the night sky?
Observing shooting stars is not only enjoyable but also requires proper preparation. Here are some tips to help you fully enjoy this phenomenon:
Choosing the right place
It's best to observe meteors away from city lights. Choose a location with dark skies, such as in the mountains, by a lake, or in the countryside.
Checking the weather forecast
Before heading out to observe, make sure the weather forecast is favorable. Heavy cloud cover or a full moon can significantly impede visibility.
Eye preparation
Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Spend a few minutes in a dark place to increase your ability to see subtle celestial phenomena.
A comfortable place to sit
Bring a blanket or deck chair with you so you can comfortably observe the sky for longer periods of time.
When is the best time to observe shooting stars?
The best time to observe meteors is usually late at night, especially between midnight and dawn. During this time, the radiant—the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to emerge—is at its highest. It's also worth remembering that some meteor showers have peaks of activity, which are ideal times for observations.
Interesting facts about shooting stars
- History: The Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest known meteor showers , having been observed for over 2,600 years.
- Speed: Meteors move at speeds of 30 to 70 km/s, which makes them extremely spectacular to watch.
- Phenomenon: Every year, about 17 tons of meteorites fall to Earth, but most of them burn up in the atmosphere.
The year 2025 promises to be a special time for astronomy enthusiasts. The Night of Shooting Stars is not only a beautiful phenomenon but also a perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors and admire the mysteries of the universe. Prepare properly, choose a convenient date and location, and you will surely be able to enjoy this extraordinary spectacle. Don't miss this chance to observe shooting stars!