June Bootids meteor shower peaks and you can photograph it on phone | Nature | News

Stargazers are being urged to cast their eyes skyward this week as the June Bootids meteor shower hits its peak during the final week of June, presenting the opportunity to spot shooting stars from the comfort of home. Unlike some of the more dependable meteor showers, the June Bootids are somewhat unpredictable.

In certain years the display is relatively subdued, with only a handful of meteors visible, while in others it has delivered surprisingly spectacular shows. That element of uncertainty is precisely what makes it so captivating for those with a passion for astronomical events.

Alan Jones, astronomy expert at 365 Astronomy, said it was well worth keeping watch simply because you can never truly know what to expect.

He said: “The June Bootids are pretty unpredictable. Some years there is not much to see at all, but other times you can end up with a really nice show if you are in the right place at the right time.”

He noted that no specialist equipment is required to enjoy the spectacle, making it ideal for casual stargazers.

Alan added: “You just need a clear, dark sky and a bit of patience. Give your eyes time to adjust and just look up. You do not need binoculars or a telescope, and in some ways it is better without them because you want to take in as much of the sky as possible.”

According to Alan, the optimum time to look is generally after midnight when the sky is at its darkest and well away from street lighting or light pollution. Lying back and waiting patiently remains the most effective method of catching a meteor.

Alan explained that while mobile photography can be effective, the key is to keep things straightforward.

He added: “The main thing is keeping your phone steady. If you can rest it on something or use a tripod, that helps a lot because even the smallest movement can ruin the shot.”

Alan noted that getting the settings right was equally important: “Turn on night mode if your phone has it and lower the exposure a bit so the sky stays nice and dark. That way, if a meteor does show up, it has a better chance of standing out.”

He further explained that the direction in which the phone was aimed mattered more than most people realised: “Just point it at a wide bit of sky rather than trying to guess where something might happen. Meteors are random, so the wider your view, the better your chances.”

He also stressed that patience was essential, acknowledging that there could be a considerable wait before anything appeared — but that this was all part of the experience.