June Bootids meteor shower 2026 peaks this week - how to photograph it on your phone

June Bootids meteor shower 2026 peaks this week - how to photograph it on your phone The June Bootids meteor shower is set to peak in the final week of June 2026, offering a chance to spot shooting stars right from home - and you don't need any specialist kit to enjoy it Stargazers are being urged to cast their eyes skyward this week as the June Bootids meteor shower hits its peak in the final week of June, presenting the perfect opportunity to spot shooting stars from the comfort of your own home. Unlike some of the more dependable meteor showers, the June Bootids can be somewhat unpredictable. In some 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 compelling 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 never quite know what you might witness. 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 added that no specialist equipment is needed 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 lights or light pollution. Simply lying back and waiting patiently remains the most effective way to catch a meteor. How to photograph the June 2026 Bootids meteor shower with your phone Alan explained that while mobile photography can be effective, the key is to keep things straightforward. He said: "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." Getting the settings right was equally important, Alan said: "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 also pointed out that the direction you aim your phone matters more than most people realise: "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." Finally, Alan stressed that patience was essential, as you could find yourself waiting quite some time before anything appears — but that, he suggested, is all part of the fun.