Several Major Meteor Showers Will Be Visible in Iowa, Illinois, & Wisconsin

It may be getting colder outside, but the celestial activity is really starting to heat up. If you're a fan of stargazing, between now and the end of 2024, the skies over the Midwest will host several meteor showers, giving residents of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin great opportunities to catch some shooting stars. From the Southern Taurids happening now to the Ursids around Christmas, here’s your guide to the best meteor showers of the season—and how to catch them at their peak. Just don't freeze while you do it!

1. Southern Taurids

• Peak Date: November 4-5, 2024
• Best Viewing Time: After midnight
• Expected Meteors: About 3 per hour

These are literally happening right now! The Southern Taurids are up and active and will peak tonight (November 4th) into the early hours of November 5th. These meteors are known for their slower, more graceful trails, making them easier to spot. Although their rates are relatively low (around 3 meteors per hour), the waxing crescent moon will be only 11% full, which means its light won’t interfere much, providing optimal conditions for viewing. Unfortunately cloud cover could be a serious issue for the next few days.

For the best view, head out after midnight and look towards the north-northeastern sky. The Southern Taurids are perfect for those who appreciate quality over quantity, as they often feature a few particularly bright meteors known as “fireballs.”

2. Northern Taurids

• Peak Date: November 11-12, 2024
• Best Viewing Time: After midnight
• Expected Meteors: About 2 per hour

Not long after the Southern Taurids, the Northern Taurids will also reach their peak. This shower’s meteors are similar in speed and brightness to the Southern Taurids, and they’re known to produce fireballs as well. However, the moon will be 79% full during the peak, so some of the fainter meteors might be washed out.

To maximize your chances of seeing these, try to find a dark spot away from city lights, and look north around 1 AM when the radiant (the area where meteors appear to come from) is highest. Even if you only spot a few meteors, the Northern Taurids can still provide memorable sightings thanks to their tendency to produce brighter meteors.

3. Leonids

• Peak Date: November 16-17, 2024
• Best Viewing Time: Pre-dawn hours
• Expected Meteors: Around 10-15 per hour

The Leonids are one of the most famous meteor showers of the year, known for occasional “meteor storms” that have dazzled skywatchers in the past. Although no storm is expected this year, the Leonids will still put on a good show. The only downside? The peak night coincides with a nearly full moon (98% full), which will make it challenging to see the fainter meteors.

For the best experience, try to get out just before dawn, when the Leonid radiant in the constellation Leo is highest in the eastern sky. The Leonids are fast-moving meteors with a reputation for leaving bright, persistent trails, so even with moonlight, you might be able to catch a few showstoppers.

4. Geminids

• Peak Date: December 12-13, 2024
• Best Viewing Time: Late evening through early morning
• Expected Meteors: Up to 100 per hour under ideal conditions

The Geminids are often regarded as the best meteor shower of the year due to their high rates and bright, colorful meteors. They peak on December 12-13, but unfortunately, a 92% full moon will make it hard to see the fainter meteors. However, the Geminids are known for producing a large number of bright meteors, so it’s still worth heading outside for a look.

The Geminids originate from the constellation Gemini, which will be visible in the eastern sky. If you’re bundled up and ready to spend a few hours outside, you could see a substantial number of meteors, especially in the late evening and early morning hours. The Geminids are also unusual because they’re relatively slow, which gives them a longer “hang time” in the sky.

5. Ursids

• Peak Date: December 21-22, 2024
• Best Viewing Time: Pre-dawn hours
• Expected Meteors: Around 10 per hour

Rounding out the year, the Ursids peak just before Christmas. They’re less known than the other showers, but for dedicated stargazers, they offer a special treat at the end of the season. The moon will be only 59% full during their peak, so viewing conditions will be better than earlier in the month.

The Ursids appear to radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor (near the North Star), so they’re best seen in the northern sky. Head out in the early hours before dawn for the best view. While the Ursids generally produce modest rates, they can occasionally surprise with short bursts of activity.

How Can I Best View the Showers this Winter?

• Find a Dark Location: Head away from city lights to improve your chances of spotting more meteors. Rural areas or nature reserves can offer much better visibility.
• Bring Warm Clothes: This should go without saying but, November and December nights can be frigid in the Midwest. Dress warmly and bring a blanket or reclining chair to make your viewing comfortable, easy, and at least slightly more warm.
• Avoid Looking Directly at the Radiant: While the meteors will appear to come from a certain area of the sky, they’re often best seen when they’re further away from that spot. Look slightly off-center from the radiant for the best show.
• Be Patient: Meteor watching requires patience, so bring along a thermos of hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 15-20 minutes, then take in the spectacle!

If you're hoping to make a wish upon a "star" before the new year, these are your best opportunities. From the slow-moving Taurids to the spectacular Geminids, this season’s meteor showers offer plenty of opportunities to connect with the night sky. Clear skies and a little patience can make for an unforgettable viewing experience, whether you’re in Iowa’s open fields, Illinois' state parks, or Wisconsin’s rural landscapes. So, grab your warm gear, find a good spot, and enjoy the show through the holidays!