Meteor Showers
Meteor showers occur annually or at regular intervals as Earth passes through the trail of dusty debris left by a comet and, in a few cases, asteroids.
science.nasa.govHere are the latest reliable sources for upcoming meteor showers and where to watch them.
- Perseids peak: August 12–13, 2026. Expect bright meteors and a good display if skies are dark. This is one of the most prominent annual showers.[1][2]
- Geminids peak: December 13–14, 2026. Typically strong with many bright meteors; viewing is best after midnight in dark skies.[2][1]
- Ursids peak: December 21–22, 2026. Generally fainter but can produce some interesting activity; the moon may affect visibility that night.[1][2]
- Quadrantids peak: January 3–4, 2027. A short, intense burst but often hindered by late-night/early-morning temperatures and moonlight depending on year.[2][1]
- Lyrids peak: April 21–22, 2027. Moderate activity; nearly full Moon in some years can affect viewing.[1][2]
Helpful tips for your Bend, Oregon viewing:
- Check local weather and cloud cover forecasts for the night of the shower peak, and plan for a multi-hour session to catch more meteors as activity waxes and wanes.
- Find a dark site at least 30–60 minutes after sunset; allow your eyes to adapt (about 20–30 minutes).
- Bring a reclining chair, warm clothing, and a blanket; avoid looking at phones for long stretches to preserve night vision.
Illustration: A simple viewing plan for Perseids in August
- Location: Bend, OR dark-sky site
- Time: night of Aug 12–13, after 11 p.m.
- Expectation: several meteors per minute at peak if skies are clear [image: placeholder]
If you’d like, I can tailor a viewing plan for your exact date and location, including a simple nightly checklist and a printable sky guide. I can also pull a current calendar of all major showers for 2026–2027 with peak dates and expected activity levels.
Citations:
- Meteor shower calendar and peak dates (Perseids, Geminids, Ursids, Quadrantids, Lyrids)[2][1]