The night sky always holds surprises, from eclipses and planetary alignments to supermoons and meteor showers that captivate observers around the world. And this september, after the spectacular Perseids, a modest meteor shower will light up the night sky in the coming days: the Alpha Aurigids.
Best Dates to See the Alpha Aurigids
According to the American Meteor Society, the first Alpha Aurigid meteors will be visible starting in the early hours of August 29. Their peak is expected on September 1 at 03:00 GMT, making the night of August 31 and the early hours of September 1 the optimal window for viewing this astronomical event. The shower will end on September 5.
In 2025, astronomers expect up to 10 meteors per hour at the peak.
Viewing Conditions in 2025
This year conditions are excellent for skywatchers, with minimal interference from moonlight. The Alpha Aurigids reach their maximum just a day after the last quarter moon, and the semi-illuminated lunar disk will set late at night, leaving the best viewing hours in darkness.
