Are you ready for a celestial spectacle? Late August brings the chance to witness the elusive Aurigid meteor shower, set to reach its dazzling peak overnight on August 31!

This extraordinary meteor shower occurs each year as Earth passes through the trail of debris left by the ancient comet C/1911 N1 Kiess, which last ventured through the inner solar system around 2,000 years ago.

From August 29 to September 2, 2025, the Aurigid shower will come alive. Peak activity is expected at 11:00 PM EDT on August 31, with as many as six shooting stars per hour lighting up the night sky! However, experts like Robert Lunsford from the American Meteor Society suggest that we might only see about one meteor each hour, so keep your hopes in check.

These meteors will radiate from a hot spot in the sky near the bright star theta Aurigae, located in the constellation Auriga. For the best view, stargazers in the U.S. should set their sights in the early hours leading up to dawn on September 1, when the radiant will be prominently displayed high in the eastern sky.

Tips for optimal viewing: Avoid staring directly at the radiant point! Instead, look about 40 degrees above theta Aurigae, ideally in line with your local zenith (which is directly overhead). Using a smartphone astronomy app can help you pinpoint this star easily. A quick reference: the width of your fist held at arm's length covers approximately 10 degrees of sky, so you can map your view effectively.

Don’t miss out on this spectacular event! Grab your friends, head outdoors, and get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars.