Watch the Perseids Light Up the Sky This Week
The Perseid meteor shower — often called the most popular meteor show of the year — is now reaching its spectacular peak, and if you’ve never seen it before, this is the time to try. For weeks now, the Earth has been moving through a trail of cosmic debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Each tiny fragment, sometimes no bigger than a grain of sand, hits our atmosphere at about 36 miles per second, igniting in a flash of light. These bright streaks are what we call “shooting stars,” and during the peak, as many as 100 per hour can be spotted under ideal conditions.
The name “Perseids” comes from the constellation Perseus, the area in the sky from which the meteors seem to radiate. This shower is also famous for its fireballs — bigger, longer-lasting bursts of light that make the display even more dramatic. NASA calls it the most popular annual meteor shower for good reason.
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This year, the shower has been active since mid-July and will continue until late August, but the real highlight falls on the night of August 12 into the early hours of August 13. That’s when meteor activity will be at its highest. In the UK, some meteors may be visible as soon as the sun sets, but the best viewing time is usually after midnight until dawn. Adding to the spectacle, Jupiter and Venus will be appearing close together in the sky on the same nights, shining brightly before sunrise.
There’s just one catch — the moon. This year, it will be about 84% illuminated during the peak, and its glow will wash out many of the fainter meteors. Still, all is not lost. Fireballs will still punch through the brightness, and you can improve your chances by blocking the moonlight with a building, tree, or even a hill. If you can, head to a spot away from city lights with a wide, open view of the sky.
Patience is key. Your eyes may need 10 to 15 minutes to fully adjust to the dark, so avoid looking at your phone or bright lights. A red-light torch can help without ruining your night vision. Once adapted, you’ll notice more and more meteors as the night goes on.
The peak night will always give you the best shot, but the nights just afterward are also worth trying. The moon will rise slightly later each evening, giving you a longer window of darker skies — though the number of meteors will gradually drop. And who knows? Meteor showers can surprise you with sudden bursts of activity. So find a good spot, wrap up warm, and keep your eyes to the northeast. Even with the moon’s glow, the Perseids are still a show worth staying up for.
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