Most years I miss all the meteor showers. If I’m lucky, I realize there is a shower while it’s happening when I catch sight of a few shooting stars. I think the ideal way to experience a meteor shower though would be in a setting where the maximum amount of stars can be seen; in the backcountry.
There are several showers this year in 2024. Below are the ones that will be visible from the northern hemisphere. If weather permits, I hope to watch one or more of these on a backpacking trip! Viewing can be maximized by situating yourself away from city lights and by minimizing your own light use by putting out any fires or lanterns during the viewing period. The Perseids is the strongest shower to be seen during the warmer months of the year. The next biggest is squarely in the middle of December. If you aren’t equipped or accustomed to camping in near or sub 0 temps, be sure to view safely from your home or a nice, warm hotel in the White Mountains area.
| Name | Date | Strength/Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Lyrids | April 21-22 | 10 meteors / hour |
| Delta Aquarids | July 29-30 | 10 meteors / hour but faint |
| Perseids | August 11-13 | 50 meteors / hour |
| Draconids | October 8-9 | Not one of the stronger ones of the year |
| Orionids | October 22 | Moon will mostly obscure viewing this year |
| Leonids | November 17-18 | 15 meteors / hour |
| Geminids | December 13-14 | 75 meteors / hour however there will be a full moon this year obscuring much of the show |
The Wild East 