Is this the same as “meteor shower tonight”?

No. Sky Events → Meteor showers answers “is anything on tonight / next peak.” This planner owns radiant geometry, by-location rates, and any-date simulation. Deep-link with ?shower=perseids&date=YYYY-MM-DD&time=02:00.

How accurate are the estimated rates?

Educational only: catalog ZHR × radiant height^(population index − 1) × Moon washout × sky brightness, with a daylight gate. Ignores clouds — not AMS-grade. Check Tonight score for weather.

Which nights around peak should I try?

Use the Peak ±2 night chips for the selected shower. Moon phase and work schedules often matter more than the exact peak hour — compare the hourly rate strip on each night.

Why look away from the radiant?

Meteors can appear anywhere; near the radiant, trails are short foreshortened stubs. Facing a dark wide sky 30–90° from the radiant usually shows longer streaks.

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.

Do I need a telescope?

No. Naked-eye watching with dark adaptation works best. Use the simulator for radiant direction, then Tonight score and Dark Sky Window for weather and moonless hours.

Meteor Shower Simulator by Location

Delta Aquariids radiant 42° SE · ~3/hr — bright skies cut faint meteors

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as “meteor shower tonight”?: No. Sky Events → Meteor showers answers “is anything on tonight / next peak.” This planner owns radiant geometry, by-location rates, and any-date simulation. Deep-link with ?shower=perseids&date=YYYY-MM-DD&time=02:00.
How accurate are the estimated rates?: Educational only: catalog ZHR × radiant height^(population index − 1) × Moon washout × sky brightness, with a daylight gate. Ignores clouds — not AMS-grade. Check Tonight score for weather.
Which nights around peak should I try?: Use the Peak ±2 night chips for the selected shower. Moon phase and work schedules often matter more than the exact peak hour — compare the hourly rate strip on each night.
Why look away from the radiant?: Meteors can appear anywhere; near the radiant, trails are short foreshortened stubs. Facing a dark wide sky 30–90° from the radiant usually shows longer streaks.
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.
Do I need a telescope?: No. Naked-eye watching with dark adaptation works best. Use the simulator for radiant direction, then Tonight score and Dark Sky Window for weather and moonless hours.

Uses astronomy-engine for radiant alt/az and Moon illumination. Catalog peaks are typical nights (not live AMS feeds). Pair with Sky Events for tonight’s answer and Learn obs-101 for the full calendar.