Aurigid Meteor Shower Peak on Sunday September 1, 2013

For all stargazers, the Aurigid meteor shower will have its peak on Sunday.

The Aurigids (AUR) are first seen on August 29th and peak on Sunday morning September 1st. On the morning of maximum activity, the radiant will be located at 06:02 (091) +39. This position lies in central Auriga, two degrees north of the third magnitude Theta Aurigae. Hourly rates will range from 3-5 in the northern hemisphere down to 0-2 in the southern hemisphere. The radiant is well placed for northern observers high in the northeastern sky during the last hour before the start of morning twilight.

South of the equator, this shower is not well seen as it lies low in the northern sky during the morning hours. With an entry velocity of 67 km/sec., most activity from this radiant would be swift.

Best time to watch the meteor shower: before dawn September 1. If you observe from a rural location on the morning of the peak, you might see as many as 14 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society.

SOURCE American Meteor Society (AMS)