Shooting Stars May 2026

🌠 Shooting Star Basics "Shooting stars" are actually . They occur when space debris enters Earth's atmosphere at high speeds. Friction causes the debris to burn up, creating a streak of light. 🔭 Best Viewing Tips Find Dark Skies: Get away from city lights. Check the Moon: A full moon washes out smaller streaks. Let Eyes Adjust: Avoid your phone for 20 minutes. Look Up: No telescope or binoculars needed. Wait Late: Peak activity is usually after midnight. 📅 Major Annual Meteor Showers Description Perseids August 11-13 Very bright; summer favorite. Geminids December 13-14 Strongest and most reliable. Leonids November 16-17 Known for fast, bright meteors. Lyrids April 21-22 Can produce unexpected outbursts. 💡 Quick Facts Size: Most are the size of a sand grain. Speed: They travel up to 45 miles per second. Meteoroid: The object while still in space. Meteorite: A fragment that survives and hits Earth.