Are you ready to witness an extraordinary celestial event? This weekend, the rare Aurigid meteor shower is set to dazzle night skies, peaking on the night of August 31!

Every year, the Aurigid meteor shower unfolds as Earth moves through the faint remnants of debris left by the long-period comet C/1911 N1 Kiess. Can you believe this comet last graced our inner solar system around 2,000 years ago? Talk about a cosmic time capsule!

In 2025, the Aurigid display runs from August 29 to September 2, reaching its thrilling peak at 11:00 PM EDT on August 31 (that’s 0300 GMT!). While some estimates suggest you could spot up to six meteors per hour, expert Robert Lunsford from the American Meteor Society warns that many may see only one or two. But hey, every shooting star counts!

When you're hunting for these meteors, they will seem to radiate from a point near the +2.6 magnitude star theta Aurigae in the Auriga constellation. For the best chance to catch these streaks of light, stargazers should head outside in the pre-dawn hours of September 1. The radiant will be highest in the eastern sky, increasing your chances of a spectacular show.

A little tip for meteor spotting: avoid staring directly at the radiant. Instead, look upward, roughly 40 degrees above theta Aurigae, toward your zenith. If you're uncertain about spotting theta Aurigae, a smartphone astronomy app can be your best friend! And remember, extending your fist at arm's length will cover a 10-degree section of the sky.

Don't miss this chance to connect with the wonders of the universe—mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars!