Meteor showers to watch out for in Ontario in 2025

Astronomy enthusiasts can look forward to several dazzling meteor showers lighting up the night sky in 2025.

The Lyrids will be the first significant meteor shower of the year. They will be active from April 16 to April 25 and peak overnight on April 22.

According to Space.com, this shower is known for producing bright meteors and occasional fireballs, though it lacks persistent trains.

The waning crescent moon may cause slight interference, but dark skies should still allow for decent visibility. The best viewing time is late evening on April 21 through dawn on April 22.

Following shortly after, the Eta Aquariids will peak on May 3 and 4 and are associated with Halley’s Comet. These meteors are known for their swift, long-lasting trains.

Space.com reports that while this meteor shower is more prominent in the southern Hemisphere, those in the north can still expect 10-30 meteors per hour just before dawn. Viewing conditions are excellent in 2025, as a first-quarter moon will set before the radiant rises, minimizing light interference.

In the summer, the Southern Delta Aquariids will peak on July 29 and 30, bringing steady meteor activity for a full week surrounding the peak. These faint meteors lack persistent trains but can still provide a decent show, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. As noted by Space.com, a waxing crescent moon will set before the radiant is high, offering great viewing conditions.

On the same night, the Alpha Capricornids will reach their peak. Though this shower is not particularly strong, it is notable for producing an unusually high number of bright fireballs, according to Space.com.

It can be observed equally well from both hemispheres and with the moon only 27 per cent full, conditions will be decent for spotting these slow-moving meteors.

The Perseids, one of the year’s most anticipated meteor showers, will peak on August 12- to 13. Typically producing up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, in 2025, the waning gibbous moon will significantly reduce visibility, washing out all but the brightest meteors. Still, this prolific shower remains worth watching, with the best viewing time occurring before dawn.

The Orionids, another shower linked to Halley’s Comet, will peak on October 20 to 21. Known for their fast meteors with persistent trains, the Orionids can reach rates of 20 meteors per hour at their peak. This year, Space.com say that conditions will be ideal as the new moon coincides with the peak, creating dark skies perfect for meteor hunting.

In November, the Leonids, famous for their historical meteor storms, will peak on November 16 and 17. While this year’s rates are expected to be 10-15 meteors per hour, the waning crescent moon will provide dark skies, making for good viewing opportunities.

The final major shower of the year, the Geminids, will peak on December 13 and 14. Space.com highlights the Geminids as one of the strongest meteor showers of the year, often producing between 100 and 150 meteors per hour. In 2025, a waning crescent moon will rise after 2:30 a.m., meaning viewing conditions should be excellent before then.

If you are a first-time stargazer or an astronomy aficionado, here are some items to be prepared with as recommended by Space.com:

Red flashlight — Fainter meteors require eyes to adjust to the dark, especially when you’re using a night-sky map. The red light will help preserve your night vision.

Warm clothing — It can get pretty chilly as you wait for the meteor showers. Grab a warm hat, coat, a scarf and a sleeping bag, if staying outdoors for a long period of time.

Hot drink — A hot beverage will help keep you warm. Tea and coffee are often the go to choice as it also helps you stay awake.

Deck chair — Looking up for hours at a time could put a strain on your neck. It’s advised to use a deck chair that will keep you in an inclined position for maximum comfort.