Each year it can be expected to see many meteor showers, although some years due to other cosmic factors, viewing is better than others.
Here is a guide to the best times to see meteor showers in 2010:
On April 21, 2010, the Lyrids meteor shower begins its peak showing and on Earth Day, April 22, 2010, is one of the best times to view this natural fireworks show. The Lyrids activity actually started on April 16 and runs through the 25th, however early on Thursday, April 22, 2010, is the peak and optimum viewing time.
The next meteor shower is just right around the corner when Eta Aquarids is expected to make an appearance. The dates for this are May 5, 6, and 7, 2010. Experts predict the best time to see this round of meteor showers is just before dawn on May 6, however there are some obstructions expected this year due to the timing of the last quarter moon. Probably not a good time to get any clear view of meteors.
On July 29, 2010, the Delta Aquarids are expected to begin showering the skies. This meteor shower is not expected to have a finite peak time, however showers can be viewed late July through early August. The best time to try and catch a glimpse is an hour or two before dawn. This year, however, due to the moon’s schedule, it will likely be hard to get a favorable view because the sky is expected to be filled with moonlight which will make viewing the Delta Aquarids difficult to see in 2010.
Perseids appears on August 13, 2010, and the optimum time to view it will be just after midnight. Many consider this meteor showing to be one of the best appearances of the year. It is common for Perseids to cover large portions of the night skies and peak 50 or more meteors an hour. In 2010 Perseids expected to have good darkened conditions for strong glimpses. The most meteors typically occur just before dawn, but can be viewed from late night until dawn. The day before and after may allow good viewing as well.
In the fall Draconids appears on October 7 and 8 and doesn’t typically shower a whole lot, but in the years it does awake with full force, the sights seen can be amazing, having on occasion shot out hundreds and perhaps thousands of meteors an hour. 2010 is not expected to have this kind of showing though, however you never know. Views this year are expected to be clear and it is expected views are better in the evening than dawn in 2010.
The Orionid meteor in 2010 is not expected to be very strong due to the way the brightness of the moon on this date, however the scheduled date of an appearance is October 21 for those who want to give viewing a whirl. If it can be seen, the best time to check is an hour or two before dawn on October 21.
November 5, 2010, is the peak date for the South Taurids meteors. These meteors typically appear in mid-September but they get stronger in November. 2010 appears to be a good year due to the dark skies expected. Experts suggest try viewing South Taurids on the nights of November 4 and 5.
On South Taurids heels comes North Taurids. This is another lasting shower that begins mid October and goes to early December. The peak viewing will be on November 12 and 2010 is expected to be a good year for viewing. Try catching a glimpse of North Taurids around midnight to 1 a.m. on November 11 and 12 for optimum sights.
November is a busy meteor month in 2010 as Leonids is expected to appear. This meteor shower has a history of some magnificent meteors shooting, but not every year is spectacular. However in 2010 the moon conditions make for favorable viewing and experts suggest midnight to dawn on November 17 and 18 to see the showers.
Geminids is the final meteor shower of the year and December 13 and 14 are the best times to see it. This year the moon conditions aren’t favorable and will obstruct the normally 9 to 10 p.m. optimum time, however after moon sets around midnight, there may be a good chance to see Geminids. In 2010 the skies are expected to be dark and good viewing conditions from late evening December 13 to early morning on the 14th.
In general the best ways to view a meteor shower is find darker skies, away from city lights. The more isolated the better because there will be no obstructions of building lights, car headlights or other interferences. It is recommended to recline or position so the horizon is at the edge of peripheral vision. Specialists say that binoculars are not necessary to see the meteor shower, that regular vision is sufficient.
References:
http://www.amsmeteors.org/showers.html#Lyrids
http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/04/100419-lyrids-meteor-shower-earth-day-peak/
