Don’t Miss the Spectacular Epsilon Perseids Meteor Shower Peaking This September 9th—Catch the Show Before Dawn!

Heads up, stargazers! The September Epsilon Perseids meteor shower is set to peak early on September 9. Here’s everything you need to know to maximize your chances of seeing these shooting stars.

Unlike the more famous Perseid meteor shower in August, the Epsilon Perseids occur from September 5 to September 21. This event happens as Earth travels through debris from an unknown comet. When these tiny bits of comet collide with our atmosphere, they burn up and create the bright streaks we see as shooting stars.

In 2025, you might see up to five shooting stars an hour around 8 a.m. EDT on September 9, as reported by in-the-sky.org. However, a nearly full moon may wash out the fainter meteors, so the number visible might be lower.

These meteors seem to come from the constellation Perseus, near the bright star Algol. Smartphone astronomy apps can help pinpoint this spot in the sky.

The best time to watch is before dawn on September 9. At that time, the radiant, or the point from which the meteors appear to come, will be high in the sky. You can also catch meteors any time after dark, about an hour after sunset if you’re in New York.

For the best view, give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Look about 40 degrees away from the radiant. A handy rule of thumb: a clenched fist at arm’s length covers around 10 degrees of the sky.

If you’re into photography, consider capturing these meteors. A guide on imaging shooting stars could be helpful, along with our recommendations for the best cameras for astrophotography.

Interestingly, interest in meteor watching has been growing on social media. Many enthusiasts share their experiences and photos online, creating a sense of community among stargazers.

In summary, the September Epsilon Perseids offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the night sky. Enjoy the show!

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