Is this the same as “meteor shower tonight”?

This tool is the planner and simulator — radiant geometry, rates, and a sky view for any date. For a quick “is there a shower tonight?” answer, open Sky Events → Meteor showers, then come here to simulate where to look.

How accurate are the estimated rates?

Rates are educational: catalog ZHR scaled by radiant height and Moon washout, with a daylight gate. They are not AMS-grade zenithal corrections and ignore clouds — check Tonight score for weather.

Alt/Az vs equatorial grid — which should I use?

Alt/Az matches standing outside (up from the horizon, compass directions). Equatorial shows RA/Dec lines used on star charts — helpful when comparing radiant catalog coordinates. Use Alt/Az for naked-eye spotting.

Where should I look during a shower?

Face the darkest wide sky, not only the radiant. Meteors can appear anywhere; the radiant marker shows the perspective origin. Rates are usually best after local midnight under dark skies.

Do I need a telescope?

No. Naked-eye watching with dark adaptation works best. Use the simulator to learn radiant direction, then confirm clear skies with Tonight score and moonless hours with Dark Sky Window.

Tools

Meteor Shower Simulator — Radiant & Rates

Pick a shower and time — see the radiant on your sky, estimated rates, Moon washout, and a simulated streak viewer.

Georgetown

6.8000°N, 58.1700°W

Rates use your location, date, and time. Weather is separate — check Tonight score.

Perseids

Popular summer shower. · Parent: Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle

Peak August 12

Radiant

Below horizon

NNE 27°

Est. rate

0/hr

Radiant below horizon — sporadic meteors only

Moon

50%

Below horizon

Best window

Midnight → dawn

After local midnight → dawn (darkest hours)

Perseids radiant -9° NE · Radiant below horizon — sporadic meteors only

Coordinate grid

Alt/Az matches what you see outside: up from the horizon and compass directions.

Educational simulation: rates are approximate (ZHR × radiant height × Moon washout). Not AMS-grade. Pair with Tonight score for weather and Dark Sky Window for moonless hours.

Meteor showers tonight Tonight score Stargazing weather Dark sky window 2026 calendar & how to watch

Full year peak list

January 3 · ZHR 120
April 22 · ZHR 18
May 6 · ZHR 50
July 30 · ZHR 25
August 12 · ZHR 100
October 21 · ZHR 20
November 17 · ZHR 15
December 14 · ZHR 150
December 22 · ZHR 10

Choosing a shower here jumps to its peak night ~2am.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as “meteor shower tonight”?: This tool is the planner and simulator — radiant geometry, rates, and a sky view for any date. For a quick “is there a shower tonight?” answer, open Sky Events → Meteor showers, then come here to simulate where to look.
How accurate are the estimated rates?: Rates are educational: catalog ZHR scaled by radiant height and Moon washout, with a daylight gate. They are not AMS-grade zenithal corrections and ignore clouds — check Tonight score for weather.
Alt/Az vs equatorial grid — which should I use?: Alt/Az matches standing outside (up from the horizon, compass directions). Equatorial shows RA/Dec lines used on star charts — helpful when comparing radiant catalog coordinates. Use Alt/Az for naked-eye spotting.
Where should I look during a shower?: Face the darkest wide sky, not only the radiant. Meteors can appear anywhere; the radiant marker shows the perspective origin. Rates are usually best after local midnight under dark skies.
Do I need a telescope?: No. Naked-eye watching with dark adaptation works best. Use the simulator to learn radiant direction, then confirm clear skies with Tonight score and moonless hours with Dark Sky Window.

Uses astronomy-engine for radiant alt/az and Moon illumination. Catalog peaks come from the site meteor shower list. Pair with Sky Events for tonight’s answer and Learn obs-101 for the full calendar.