This Friday, June 27, marks one of the few opportunities to witness the elusive Bootids meteor shower. The shower occurs annually in June as Earth passes through the tail of the 7P/Pons-Winnecke comet, typically producing a relatively weak display of meteors.
To spot the radiant point of the shower, located in the constellation Boötes, head west with the horizon, even if that means being close to major cities. However, the low-hanging constellation will be difficult to see in bright city lights and suburbs. The American Meteor Association classifies Bootids as a Class III meteor shower, which can produce either many meteors or very few.
Although the shower is challenging to spot, it’s not impossible. In fact, a recent incident in Georgia saw a meteor damage a house after passing through the atmosphere. Be prepared for variable viewing conditions and adjust your expectations accordingly.
To increase your chances of witnessing the Bootids meteor shower, consider the following tips:
– Find a location with minimal light pollution
– Bring binoculars to enhance visibility
– Practice patience and be prepared for bursts or no activity at all
Keep in mind that the peak is expected on Saturday, so if you miss it this Friday, there’s still another chance to see the shower.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/science/space/look-up-on-friday-night-and-you-just-might-see-the-bootids-meteor-shower