Bootid Meteor Shower: When and where to spot ‘shooting stars’ on Friday

Bootid Meteor Shower to Light Up the Skies on June 27 (Image: Canva)

Stargazers are in for a treat this Friday night. As twilight fades on 27 June, the Bootid meteor shower is set to peak. This unpredictable display could offer a handful or even a hundred shooting stars per hour. While it is never guaranteed, the event promises a spectacular show for those under clear skies.

Where and When to Watch
The Bootid meteor shower will peak around 7:00 a.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. IST) on 27 June. The best time to watch is after sunset or a few hours before dawn. The radiant point of the shower lies in the constellation Boötes, the Herdsman.

Look towards the western sky as night falls. The spot is between the bright star Arcturus and Alkaid, the star at the tip of the Big Dipper’s handle. The meteor shower should be most visible as dusk turns into full darkness.

What to Expect in the Sky
With the moon only 9% illuminated, the skies will be dark. This increases the chances of spotting meteors without the glare of moonlight. Viewers can also catch a crescent moon near Mercury in the west-northwest before night fully sets in.

The Bootid meteors are dust trails left behind by comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke. This comet, about 5.2 kilometres wide, was first discovered in 1819. It swings close to Earth every six years and is next expected in August 2027.

How to Watch and What’s Ahead
Experts suggest finding an open area with clear skies. No telescopes or binoculars are needed — just your eyes and some patience. If the meteors are quiet, it still makes for a good night of stargazing.

There is more to enjoy in the skies this week. On Saturday, 28 June, a thin crescent moon will align with Mars and the bright star Regulus in Leo. On 29 June, the moon and Mars will appear extremely close — just a fifth of a degree apart — offering one of June’s best celestial views.