Jun30 Fun Holiday – Meteor Watch Day
June 30 is Meteor Watch Day, a day to look up at the skies and behold the wonder of nature's celestial fireworks, meteors.
Meteors are also called shooting stars.
©bigstockphoto.com/Faux Toe
Commonly known as shooting stars, meteors are space particles known as meteoroids that burn up with a flash of light when they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Even though meteors can only be seen by the naked eye when it is dark, meteoroids enter the Earth's atmosphere all the time. It is estimated that about 20 to 25 million meteors weighing about 100 tons in total enter the Earth's atmosphere every day!
Celestial sights to see during the year
Meteor Showers
Meteors can sometimes enter the Earth in clusters. When this happens the event is known as a meteor shower. Some meteor showers occur at the same time every year.
A handy guide to annual meteor showers
The unofficial holiday is also sometimes called National Meteor Watch Day or Meteor Day.
How to Celebrate?
- Have a meteor watching party with friends - grab a blanket, find a good spot to spread it, lay down on it and gaze over the night sky – you may be able to spot a meteor or two.
- Remember to check the weather before you step out of the house and always wear appropriate clothing.
Did You Know…
…that meteors that enter the Earth's atmosphere and hit the ground are called meteorites?
Meteor Watch Day Observances
| Fun Holiday: Meteor Watch Day Observances | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name |
| 2024 | Sun | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2025 | Mon | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2026 | Tue | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2027 | Wed | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2028 | Fri | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2029 | Sat | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2030 | Sun | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2031 | Mon | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2032 | Wed | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
| 2033 | Thu | 30 Jun | Meteor Watch Day |
