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The next meteor showers are the Taurids ("Halloween fireballs") in early November, the Leonids on the night of November 17–18, and the Geminids on December 13–14, 2026. The Geminids are the best of the three and the best shower of the year, and in 2026 they peak under a thin crescent moon that sets early in the evening. For any shower, get away from city lights, give your eyes 30 minutes to adjust, and look at the widest patch of dark sky you can see. You don't need a telescope.
2026–27 meteor shower calendar
| Shower | Peak night | Moon | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Taurids | Nov 4–5 | Thin waning crescent (~18%) | Few meteors, but slow, bright fireballs |
| Northern Taurids | Nov 11–12 | New moon Nov 9: dark | Same: low rates, occasional fireballs |
| Leonids | Nov 17–18 | First quarter, sets around midnight | About 10–15 an hour before dawn |
| Geminids | Dec 13–14 | Crescent (~21%), sets early | The year's best: dozens an hour from a dark site |
| Ursids | Dec 21–22 | Nearly full (~94%) | Weak, and washed out this year |
| Quadrantids | Jan 3–4, 2027 | Waning crescent | Strong but short peak; bundle up |
What are the "Halloween fireballs"?
That's the nickname for the Taurid meteor shower, which is active from late September to late November and peaks in early November. The Taurids come from debris left by Comet Encke. The pieces are larger than most meteor-shower dust, so even though you'll only see a handful an hour, some light up as slow, bright fireballs. In 2026 both Taurid peaks fall near a dark moon.
What direction is the meteor shower tonight?
Each shower appears to come from one point in the sky called the radiant: the Leonids from Leo, the Geminids from Gemini, the Taurids from Taurus. But you don't need to face it. Meteors streak across the whole sky, and the ones about 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant have the longest trails. Lie back, face the darkest part of the sky, and take in as much of it as you can.
When to watch
- Leonids: after midnight, once the moon has set, until dawn begins.
- Geminids: from mid-evening on, because Gemini rises early. The peak is around 2 a.m. local time.
- Taurids: any time after dark. They're best around midnight, when Taurus is high.
How to watch a meteor shower
- Get dark. A light pollution map will find the darkest spot near you. See how to find stargazing spots near you and dark sky parks.
- Give it time. Plan on at least an hour. Meteors come in clumps, with quiet stretches in between.
- No phone screens. Every glance resets your night vision. Use red light only.
- Get comfortable. A reclining camp chair or a sleeping pad and sleeping bag. December nights are cold.
- Go with friends. More eyes means more meteors spotted, and it's safer out after dark. Someone always calls the big one.
Want to photograph them?
Put a camera on a tripod, use a wide lens, set a long exposure and leave it shooting continuously; you'll catch meteors you never saw. See astrophotography for beginners.
Common questions
When is the next meteor shower?
The Taurids peak around November 4–5 and 11–12, 2026, the Leonids on the night of November 17–18, and the Geminids on December 13–14, 2026.
What are the Halloween fireballs?
The nickname for the Taurid meteor shower, which peaks in early November. It produces few meteors per hour but an unusual number of slow, bright fireballs from debris left by Comet Encke.
What is the best meteor shower of 2026?
The Geminids on December 13–14, 2026. They are the strongest shower of the year, and in 2026 the moon is only a thin crescent that sets early.
What direction should I look for a meteor shower?
Look at the darkest, widest part of the sky. Meteors appear all over the sky, and those about 45 to 90 degrees from the radiant have the longest trails.
Do I need a telescope to see a meteor shower?
No. Meteors are best seen with the naked eye, because they streak across a wide area of sky. A telescope or binoculars would show too little sky.