Over the next few nights, the Canary Islands sky will be the scene of one of the most striking and unusual astronomical phenomena of the year. The June 27 It is expected that they may coincide up to four meteor showers active at the same time, a fact that does not occur every year and that makes this date a very special opportunity for astronomy lovers.
This exceptional celestial encounter will be led by the showers known as Tau Cétidas, Escútidas, Rho Sagitáridas and the Boótidas of JuneAlthough they tend to go more unnoticed individually, the sum of their activities can offer a surprising spectacle. The Tau Cetid rains, with radiant in the constellation of the Whale, usually contribute around 4 meteors per hour. For their part, the Scutids, coming from the constellation of the Shield, register even more modest figures, barely approaching 2 meteors per hour. The Rho Sagittarids, also active, complete this unusual quartet with a radiant in the constellation of Sagittarius.
Bootid Showers: The Most Unpredictable of the Night
Among all, the rain of June Bootis It is the one that generates the most excitement. Its radiant is located in the constellation of Bootes, near the bright star Arcturus. The most unique characteristic of this shower is its unpredictable behavior, since in some years the meteor rate can be around zero, while on other occasions it surprisingly reaches 100 meteors per hourFor this reason, it is impossible to predict the actual intensity of the night, and it is advisable to remain alert to possible last-minute changes in the sky.
For optimal observation, it is also important to be aware of the Bootid meteor shower activity, as well as search areas far from urban light sources, preferably in high places with a clear horizon, and let your eyes get used to the darkness for at least 20 minutes before peak activity.
The best time for observation will be around 04:00 p.m., when the Bootid radiant will still be present in the Canary Islands sky. If the weather conditions are favorable, with clear skies and low humidity, the experience will be much more rewarding. For those looking to optimize their vision, the ideal approach is to lie down and look northeast, minimizing the presence of visual obstacles as much as possible.
A night with an astronomical extra: Moon-Mercury conjunction
The early morning of June 27 will offer not only the opportunity to see a large number of meteors, but also a visible conjunction between the Moon and MercuryThis phenomenon, which can be observed near dawn, adds an additional interest for those who wake up early to capture unusual details in the sky.
For optimal observation, it is also important to be aware of the presence of stars and planets in the sky, which if bright can make it difficult to see the faintest meteors. It's advisable to choose the hours before their appearance to avoid their light eclipsing the brightness of the faintest shooting stars.
More minor rains near the end of the month
El 29 June It will also bring with it the coincidence of other rains, such as Beta Taurids, Phi Ophiuchids and Tau Aquarids, although in this case their activity is less and some of them can only be seen during the day, making their observation difficult.
During these days, the Canary Islands become a privileged setting for enjoy various celestial phenomena in a short period of time. The unpredictability of these events means that any night can surprise with a unique spectacle, provided the weather conditions are favorable and the sky is clear.
