2026 Meteor Shower List
The American Meteor Society, Ltd. is established to inform, encourage, and support the research activities of people who are interested in the field of Meteor Astronomy
www.amsmeteors.orgHere are the latest notable meteor showers in 2026 and what to expect for observers in Dallas, TX.
- Quadrantids (early January): Peak around January 3, with moonlight often interfering; expect up to around 100 meteors per hour under ideal dark skies, though bright moonlight in 2026 will reduce visible activity. Best viewed late at night after local midnight if skies are dark. [Source: IMS/AMS calendar and UK observatories overview ][1][4]
- Lyrids (April): Peak around April 22, with moderate activity (tens of meteors per hour) under dark skies. Good opportunity if skies are clear and you have a long viewing session. [Source: AMS meteor shower calendar and Royal Observatory guide ][4][1]
- Eta Aquariids (May): Peak around May 6; typically good from late night into pre-dawn, with steady but modest activity. In 2026, the shower can be hindered by moonlight early in May, so viewing conditions may vary. [Source: Royal Observatory calendar, EarthSky guide ][7][4]
- Perseids (August): Peak around August 12–13; usually one of the brightest and most reliable showers, with many bright meteors. Moon has less impact on the viewing window in 2026, but conditions still vary. [Source: Royal Observatory calendar, AccuWeather overview ][8][4]
- Orionids (October): Peak around October 21; typically good rates with fast meteors, though the radiant is highest after midnight. Moonlight can affect visibility depending on date. [Source: Royal Observatory calendar, AMS list ][5][4]
- Geminids (mid-December): Peak around December 13–14; usually one of the best annual showers with high rates and bright meteors. In 2026, attempting to view near the peak still benefits from dark skies, but occasional moonlight may affect early evening viewing. [Source: Royal Observatory calendar, AMS calendar ][4][5]
Tips for Dallas observers:
- Choose nights with clear skies and minimal light pollution; rural spots near Dallas work best.
- Use a comfortable viewing area with a reclining chair, and give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to darkness.
- Bring a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a blanket; meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so scan widely.
- Check local astronomy clubs or observatories for guided meteor shower events or weather-adjusted peak nights.
Illustration example: a simple meteor shower plan for a clear October night near Dallas shows the radiant near Orion and a broad field of view to maximize meteor catch.
Would you like a short, date-by-date viewing plan for the top showers with recommended times for Dallas, or a printable sky map for an upcoming peak? I can tailor it to your location and equipment. [Sources: AMS meteor shower calendar and Royal Observatory guide ][1][4]