Gamma Normids Meteor Shower Reaches Its Peak

The peak of the γ-Normid (Gamma Normids) meteor shower is expected on Saturday, March 14, 2020. When and where does the Gamma Normids meteor shower occur? Who will see the meteors? Let’s find out.

The γ-Normid meteor shower is a weak meteor shower which is usually active from February 25 to March 28. The peak occurs on March 13-15 every year. The Gamma Normids take place within the boundaries of the constellation Norma which is a small constellation seen in the Southern hemisphere.

On the night of March 14, 2020, there will be a chance of seeing meteors from anywhere in the world where the constellation Norma is above the horizon. The shower’s radiant, the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from, is near the brightest star in Norma, known as Gamma Normae. You can easily check the visibility of the shower’s radiant point in your sky with the stargazing app Star Walk 2 and determine the optimal viewing time.

This year observers can expect to see up to 6 meteors per hour. The best time for observation will be after midnight when the radiant is highest in the sky for the southern hemisphere sites. However, you can start watching for the Gamma Normids after dusk. For better results, find an open dark location away from light pollution and look up with your unaided eyes. Don’t use binoculars or telescopes, because their fields of view are too narrow for meteors.

Clear skies and happy hunting!