For skywatchers in Ontario, 2026 promises another exciting year of meteor showers, with opportunities to catch dazzling displays across the province. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or a first-time stargazer, here’s your guide to the upcoming meteor showers that will light up the skies in Ontario in 2026.
1. Quadrantids (Dec. 28 – Jan. 12)
- Peak: January 4 (early morning)
- Visibility: Despite the full moon on January 3, the Quadrantids are known for bright fireballs, which can still be visible in the sky.
- Viewing tip: Best seen just before dawn.
2. Lyrids (Apr. 15 – Apr. 29)
- Peak: April 22 (2:15 p.m. EST)
- Visibility: Ideal conditions with a waxing crescent moon setting after midnight, offering dark skies.
- Viewing tip: Look for 10 to 15 meteors per hour after midnight.
3. Eta Aquariids (Apr. 15 – May 27)
- Peak: May 5 (10:51 p.m. EST)
- Visibility: A waning gibbous moon may interfere slightly, but up to 60 meteors per hour are expected under ideal conditions.
- Viewing tip: Best viewed from southern regions.
4. Arietids (May 22 – July 3)
- Peak: June 10 (morning)
- Visibility: Best observed in the pre-dawn hours, though most activity occurs during the day.
- Viewing tip: You might see up to 200 meteors per hour, though many are not visible to the naked eye.
5. Delta Aquariids (July 18 – Aug. 21)
- Peak: July 30
- Visibility: Best viewing in the days leading up to the peak, after midnight.
- Viewing tip: A full moon on July 29 will affect visibility, making earlier mornings the best option.
6. Perseids (July 14 – Sept. 1)
- Peak: August 12–13 (9:53 a.m. EST on Aug. 13)
- Visibility: The new moon on August 12 offers excellent dark skies, with up to 90 meteors per hour.
- Viewing tip: Best seen in the early morning hours on Aug. 12 and 13.
7. Draconids (Oct. 6 – Oct. 10)
- Peak: October 8 (8 p.m. EST)
- Visibility: Best viewed in the evening, with occasional surprise outbursts of meteors.
- Viewing tip: Look for up to 10 meteors per hour.
8. Orionids (Sept. 26 – Nov. 22)
- Peak: October 23 (1:54 a.m. EST)
- Visibility: A waxing gibbous moon will set before dawn, offering good conditions for viewing.
- Viewing tip: Expect about 10 to 20 meteors per hour.
9. Taurids (Sept. 23 – Dec. 10)
- Peak: November 5 (South Taurids) and November 9 (North Taurids)
- Visibility: A new moon on November 9 ensures dark skies for viewing.
- Viewing tip: Best viewed around midnight, with up to 10 meteors per hour.
10. Leonids (Nov. 3 – Dec. 2)
- Peak: November 17 (7 p.m. EST)
- Visibility: A first-quarter moon may affect visibility, but up to 15 meteors per hour can be seen under ideal conditions.
- Viewing tip: Best viewed late on November 17 and into the early morning of November 18.
11. Geminids (Nov. 19 – Dec. 24)
- Peak: December 13–14 (12:44 a.m. EST)
- Visibility: A waxing crescent moon will not interfere, allowing for spectacular viewing with up to 120 meteors per hour.
- Viewing tip: A reliable and colourful shower with numerous meteors.
12. Ursids (Dec. 17 – Dec. 26)
- Peak: December 22 (5 p.m. EST)
- Visibility: The nearly full moon will significantly affect visibility, but up to 10 meteors per hour can be seen under ideal conditions.
- Viewing tip: Best observed just before dawn.
Viewing Tips for Meteor Showers:
- Red flashlight: To preserve your night vision while stargazing.
- Warm clothing: Prepare for chilly temperatures, especially if you’re staying outside for an extended period.
- Hot drink: Tea or coffee will help keep you warm and alert during the chilly hours of the night.
Photo Credits : Insauga
