Skywatchers Prepare for Heightened Meteor Activity This Week

Several weak meteor showers are expected, but nothing like major meteor storms.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Skygazers around the world will have a chance to see increased meteor activity this week, with several weak meteor showers expected, including the Beta Tucanids, Anthelion radiant, and xi Herculids. While these showers are not expected to produce major meteor storms, there is a possibility of unexpected bursts of higher activity, and skywatchers may also spot sporadic meteors not connected to any specific shower.

Why it matters

Meteor showers provide a unique opportunity for skywatchers to observe the natural phenomenon of meteors streaking across the night sky. While these upcoming showers may be relatively weak, they can still be an exciting event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.

The details

The Beta Tucanids are expected to peak on Friday, and while this shower is known to be very weak, producing less than one meteor per hour, it has had unexpected bursts of higher activity in recent years. The Anthelion radiant, which is not a well-defined shower, is expected to produce about two meteors per hour and can be seen around the world at about 2 a.m. when the radiant is at its highest in the sky. The xi Herculids will be active from March 6 to March 20, but this is also a very weak shower, producing less than one meteor per hour. In addition to these showers, there will also be sporadic meteors, which are random meteors not connected to any specific shower.

  • The Beta Tucanids are expected to peak on Friday, March 10, 2026.
  • The Anthelion radiant can be seen around the world at about 2 a.m. when the radiant is at its highest in the sky.
  • The xi Herculids will be active from March 6 to March 20, 2026.

The players

American Meteor Society

A non-profit organization dedicated to the study of meteors, meteor showers, and related phenomena.

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What they’re saying

“Astronomers are watching to see if that activity will happen again.”

— American Meteor Society (foxweather.com)

The takeaway

While this week's meteor activity may not be as dramatic as major meteor storms, it still presents a unique opportunity for skywatchers to observe the natural beauty of meteors streaking across the night sky. Casual stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike can take advantage of these relatively weak showers to enjoy the celestial spectacle.