The rare Aurigid meteor shower occurred this year between August 28 and September 5, peaking around August 31. The Aurigids will not be seen for the next 70 years after this, making this year’s event a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The radiant point of the meteor shower lies in the constellation Auriga, between the bright stars Eta Aurigae and Theta Aurigae.
The meteor showers are named after the constellation in which the radiant point is located; thus, the name Aurigid meteor shower comes from the constellation Auriga.
The meteor shower will be best observed in the northern hemisphere, according to the American Meteor Society.
The aurigids are known for their bright, unusually bright blue-green meteors. The best time to watch the Aurigid meteor shower is during the pre-dawn hours when the sky is darkest as the constellation Auriga reaches its highest point in the night sky.
The parent body of the Aurigid meteor shower is Comet Kiess (C/1911 N1). This comet is a long-period comet. It orbits the Sun every 2,488 years.
The comet Kiess (C/1911 N1) passed the sun in 83 BC, leaving a debris trail. The debris was then pushed into a wider orbit due to the sun’s radiation. This led to the formation of a thin dust stream outside the Earth’s orbit.
This trail keeps moving due to the gravitational forces of the planets. The Aurigid meteor shower occurs when the earth passes through the debris trail left behind by the comet Kiess (C/1911 N1).
How to photograph a meteor shower?
Capturing a meteor shower is a tough job. The meteors are fast and are only visible in the skies for a short span, and capturing them in that window requires effort and precision. Adjusting the camera settings according to the conditions and having proper knowledge of the equipment is necessary.
Refering to an astronomical celendar is important in such cases, as proper planning and execution are important to take a good picture of the meteor shower.
