Alpha Centaurids: Meteor Shower in February 2025

In early February, observers in the Southern Hemisphere can see the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower. It will reach its peak on the night of February 8-9, producing up to 6 “shooting stars” per hour. Don’t miss your chance to see the only meteor shower in February!

Contents

• Alpha Centaurids 2025: When and how to see
  • Alpha Centaurids 2025: Visibility forecast
• What direction is the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower?
• Alpha Centaurids 2025: Bottom line

Alpha Centaurids 2025: When and how to see

• Meteors/hour: 6
• Moon illumination: 84%
• Active: Jan 28 – Feb 21
• Peak of activity: Feb 8-9
• Radiant location: Constellation Centaurus
• Parent body: Unknown
• Visible from: Southern Hemisphere
• Description: The Alpha Centaurids is a minor meteor stream radiating from the southern constellation Centaurus. It produces up to 6 meteors per hour during its peak at the beginning of February.

Alpha Centaurids 2025: Visibility forecast

In 2025, the Alpha Centaurids’ peak of activity coincides with the waxing gibbous Moon, so the observing conditions aren’t favorable. If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, there’s a good chance that the Alpha Centaurids’ radiant is always above the horizon for you — this means the meteor shower will be visible all night. The best time to see the meteors will be in the pre-dawn hours, when the Moon has already set.

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What direction is the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower?

The Alpha Centaurids appear to originate from the constellation Centaurus. It’s the ninth-largest constellation in the sky, famous for containing Alpha Centauri, the closest star to the Solar System. The exact location of the radiant is 4° northwest of the star Hadar (beta Centauri). The meteor shower is best observed in the Southern Hemisphere, visible up to 32°N.

The easiest way to find the position of the Alpha Centaurids’ radiant is to use a stargazing app. Here is how to do it with the free app Sky Tonight:

• Open the app and tap the magnifier icon.
• On the search bar, type the name of the meteor shower — “Alpha Centaurids.”
• Choose the fitting result and tap the blue target button. The app will show you the meteor shower’s radiant position on the sky map.
• To find the Alpha Centaurids’ radiant in the sky above you, tap the blue compass button or point your device to the sky. You’ll see the white arrow that will guide you to the radiant position. Move your device following the arrow, until you see the Alpha Centaurids’ radiant on the screen. The image corresponds to the real sky at your location.

Alpha Centaurids 2025: Bottom line

In 2025, the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of February 8-9, producing up to 6 meteors per hour. If you’re located in the Southern Hemisphere, get ready to catch some shooting stars! To prepare yourself for a successful meteor hunt, read our infographic that contains helpful meteor viewing tips.

Check this infographic to learn interesting facts about meteor showers. Get tips on how to observe and photograph "shooting stars".

See Infographic