Bootid meteor shower peaks in late June - Make wishes on shooting stars
How to see the powerful meteor shower on June 26–27 (photo: Freepik)
At the end of June, people will witness one of the most unpredictable and mysterious meteor showers of the year, the Bootids. This is a rare meteor stream that appears annually at the end of June, but only occasionally puts on a true cosmic show. Here's how and when you can catch these wild meteors and the perfect moment to make a wish that will definitely come true.
What are the Bootids and why should you see them
The Bootids (Beta Bootids) are a meteor stream that originates from the debris of comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke. Most of the time, the shower is faint or nearly invisible, but under certain conditions, it can turn into a spectacular meteor fireworks display.
This meteor shower's activity lasts from June 22 to July 2, with the peak expected during the night of June 26 to 27.
Scientists believe we might see 5–10 meteors per hour, even up to 100 this year. That happens very rarely. The meteors have a relatively low speed—about 18 km/s.
This stream is unique because of its unpredictability. Sometimes it’s barely visible, and sometimes the sky lights up with dozens of bright trails in just a few minutes.
How and where to watch the meteor shower
The best time to watch it is after midnight until the early morning of June 27.
Choose a place far away from city lights—the countryside, the Carpathians, coastlines, fields, or anywhere far from streetlights and other artificial light.
You’ll need clear, cloudless skies to watch it. No extra equipment is necessary—the meteor shower will be visible to the naked eye.
A small tip: give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
The stars will be most visible in the direction of the constellation Bootes—that’s where the name Bootids comes from. However, meteors may appear from different parts of the sky.
How to make a wish
- You don’t need to look for a "special" star—any meteor will do for making a wish
- As soon as you see a meteor, state your wish clearly and concisely
- According to old beliefs, it’s best to keep your wish silent and not share it with anyone
- Some believe that wishes made during meteor showers come true faster
What else is worth knowing
- In 2025, the Moon will not interfere with visibility as it will be close to the "new" phase
- The Bootids are on the list of rare meteor showers that can create a "cosmic surprise" effect
- The last significant Bootid activity was in 1998, when over 100 meteors fell per hour
- The meteor shower was first recorded in 1916
- The brightest Bootid showers were in 1998 and 2004
- The Bootids are not the most well-known meteor shower, but they are capable of creating awe without warning
If you're looking for some nighttime magic, a reason to make a wish, or simply a moment to feel connected to the universe, don’t miss the night of June 26–27.
Maybe, this time, the sky will put on a personal show just for you.
Sources: meteor shower calendar by the International Meteor Organization, American Meteor Society, scientific resource EarthSky.org, Heavens Above
