Rare Meteor Shower Peaks Over Maine Friday Night

A rare and unpredictable meteor shower is set to peak over Maine on Friday night. The Boötid meteor shower, active from June 22 to July 2, will reach its peak at midnight on June 27. This shower is known for its erratic behavior, producing anywhere from a few meteors per hour to a dazzling outburst of over 100 meteors.

The Boötids occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke. The comet’s fragments burn up in the atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light called meteors. What makes this shower particularly interesting is its “boom or bust” nature – some years see only a few meteors, while others produce a flurry of activity.

If you plan to catch a glimpse, look west after sunset towards the direction of the setting sun. Although a major display is not guaranteed due to cloud forecasts, clear skies will provide excellent viewing conditions if available. Grab a blanket and head outside around sunset for a chance to spot a spectacular meteor, even if just one appears.

Source: https://wgme.com/news/local/bootid-meteor-shower-may-surprise-with-bright-streaks-over-maine-skies