Stargazers, night owls, and cosmic enthusiasts across the country will have a front-row seat to witness the June Boötids, a quiet but occasionally dramatic meteor shower, peaking in full glory.
So, if you’ve been craving a connection to the cosmos—or just a break from your screen—tonight is the night to look up.
What’s Happening?
The June Boötid meteor shower, associated with the extinct comet 7P/Pons–Winnecke, is known for being unpredictable. Some years, it offers just a sprinkle of meteors—barely one or two per hour. But in rare bursts, it can light up the sky with unexpected outpourings of bright, slow-moving meteors, leaving behind glowing trails.
While not as flashy as August’s Perseids or December’s Geminids, the Boötids are beloved by dedicated stargazers for their quiet surprise factor. And tonight’s moonless sky makes visibility extra crisp—ideal for catching these cosmic streaks.
When and Where to Watch in India
Best viewing window: Just after sunset till midnight and again before dawn on June 28–29.
Peak time: Around 11 PM to 2 AM IST, but early sightings may start by 9 PM.
Direction: Look toward the northwest sky, near the constellation Boötes (above the Big Dipper).
What Makes It Special
Rarity: Unlike predictable meteor showers, the Boötids are notoriously moody. Some years they’re quiet, but they have a history of sudden outbursts—like in 1998, when over 100 meteors per hour surprised observers.
Slow-motion meteors: Unlike the blink-and-miss types, Boötid meteors are slower and often more dramatic, making them easier to spot and admire.
Perfect sky conditions: With minimal moonlight and clear skies in many parts of India tonight, 2025 is offering ideal conditions for a memorable viewing.
This isn’t just for astronomy geeks. Watching a meteor shower can be deeply meditative and romantic. Lie back under a dark sky, unplug from your digital life, and just...watch. It’s a reminder of how small we are—and how beautiful the universe can be, even when it doesn’t ask for attention.