2025 Meteor Shower Forecast: A Celestial Extravaganza

Get ready for an unforgettable year under the stars! In 2025, a host of spectacular meteor showers will grace the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, plan your celestial adventures with our guide below—and be sure to use StargazingPal, our all-in-one stargazing toolbox, to get star maps, weather and moonphase forecast, bortle scale and detailed event information.

Major 2025 Meteor Showers

Lyrids (LYR)

  • Next Peak: Apr 21–22, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/April/17 – 2025/April/26
    The Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor showers. They offer a moderate but captivating display in early spring with a brief, intense peak.

eta Aquariids (ETA)

  • Next Peak: May 3–4, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/April/20 – 2025/May/21
    Originating from Halley’s Comet, the eta Aquariids deliver a fast and bright show. Best viewed under dark skies, they provide a subtle yet fascinating celestial display.

Southern delta Aquariids (SDA)

  • Next Peak: Jul 29–30, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/July/18 – 2025/August/12
    The Southern delta Aquariids produce a steady stream of meteors during mid-summer. They are particularly favorable for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.

alpha Capricornids (CAP)

  • Next Peak: Jul 29–30, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/July/12 – 2025/August/12
    Peaking alongside the Southern delta Aquariids, the alpha Capricornids offer a delightful early summer meteor display, lighting up the twilight skies.

Perseids (PER)

  • Next Peak: Aug 12–13, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/July/17 – 2025/August/23
    Arguably the most popular meteor shower, the Perseids are famous for their high meteor count and brilliant trails. They provide a vibrant summer show as Earth passes through the debris of comet Swift-Tuttle.

Orionids (ORI)

  • Next Peak: Oct 22–23, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/October/2 – 2025/November/12
    Linked to Halley’s Comet, the Orionids are known for their fast and vivid meteors. Their radiant in Orion makes for a striking autumn display.

Southern Taurids (STA)

  • Next Peak: Nov 3–4, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/October/13 – 2025/November/27
    The Southern Taurids offer a long-lasting and gentle meteor show in mid-fall, perfect for a quiet night of stargazing away from city lights.

Northern Taurids (NTA)

  • Next Peak: Nov 8–9, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/October/13 – 2025/December/1
    In contrast to their southern counterparts, the Northern Taurids provide an extended viewing period with a slower meteor rate, ideal for a relaxed observation session.

Leonids (LEO)

  • Next Peak: Nov 16–17, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/November/3 – 2025/December/2
    Historically famous for meteor storms, the Leonids now present a more modest yet intriguing show in late fall, with a short peak that sparks the imagination.

Geminids (GEM)

  • Next Peak: Dec 12–13, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/December/1 – 2025/December/21
    Often hailed as the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids dazzle with bright, colorful meteors during early winter, offering an exceptional display as nights grow longer.

Ursids (URS)

  • Next Peak: Dec 21–22, 2025
  • Active Period: 2025/December/16 – 2025/December/26
    Though less active than the Geminids, the Ursids provide a charming and intimate meteor display in the deep winter, perfect for those quiet, starlit evenings.

Quadrantids (QUA)

  • Next Peak: Jan 3–4, 2026
  • Active Period: 2025/December/26 – 2026/January/16
    Bridging the old and new year, the Quadrantids deliver a brilliant and short-lived meteor display just after midnight, marking a spectacular start to 2026.

Tips for Photographing Meteor Showers

Capturing the magic of meteor showers requires preparation, the right equipment, and a bit of patience. Here’s a detailed guide to help you shoot stunning meteor images:

Equipment & Setup

  • Camera: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with robust low-light performance and manual controls.
  • Lens: A wide-angle lens (14–24mm) is ideal to capture vast portions of the sky. A fast lens (aperture of f/2.8 or lower) will help gather more light.
  • Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential to keep your camera stable during long exposures.
  • Remote Shutter Release/Timer: To prevent camera shake when pressing the shutter button.

Camera Settings

  • Mode: Switch to Manual (M) mode for full control over exposure.
  • Aperture: Use the widest available aperture (e.g., f/2.8) to maximize light intake.
  • Shutter Speed: Start with exposures around 10–30 seconds. Adjust based on your lens, star movement, and whether you want to capture star trails.
  • ISO: Set your ISO between 1600 and 3200 as a starting point. Experiment with your camera’s noise performance in low light.
  • Focus: Manually focus on a bright star or a distant light. Use infinity focus but double-check to ensure sharp stars.

Shooting Techniques

  • Test Shots: Take a few test exposures to fine-tune focus and exposure. Zoom in on the screen to check star sharpness.
  • Interval Shooting: Consider using an intervalometer to capture continuous shots throughout the meteor shower’s peak.
  • Framing: Include some foreground elements like a mountain silhouette or trees to add context and scale to your images.

Post-Processing

  • Software: Use editing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance.
  • Noise Reduction: Apply noise reduction to smooth out high ISO noise while preserving star details.

Final Tips for a Successful Meteor Shower Experience

  • Choose a Dark Location: Use the Bortel Scale Map in the app to find an area away from city lights for the clearest view.
  • Allow Your Eyes to Adjust: Give yourself 10–20 minutes to adapt to the darkness.
  • Dress Appropriately: Especially in colder months, ensure you’re warm and comfortable.
  • Be Patient: Meteor showers often require some waiting—relax and enjoy the show.
  • Minimize Distractions: Turn off bright light and use red-light tool in the App to preserve your night vision.

Embrace the magic of the cosmos in 2025 with these phenomenal meteor showers. Whether you're marveling at the vibrant Perseids or the brilliant Geminids, the sky has a spectacular show waiting for you.

Happy stargazing and clear skies!