Perseid meteor shower 2025: How to see the biggest meteor shower of the year in Montreal
Known for their bright, fast-moving meteors that often leave glowing trails, they can produce 50 to 100 meteors per hour, offering an ideal summer viewing experience.
They're also famous for their fireballs—larger, brighter bursts of light from bigger comet particles—that can linger longer than typical meteors and shine brighter.
If you thought the meteorite that just landed outside of Montreal was cool, or the pink moon and strawberry moon, you're in for a wonderful surprise.
What are the Perseids?
Every mid-August, Earth swings near the orbit of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, where dust particles create the dazzling Perseid meteor shower.
The spectacle's intensity shifts yearly, depending on our planet's path through the densest debris and the Moon's brightness.
It's one of the most amazing free things you can do in Montreal!
You can spot meteorites with the naked eye by their colours, which reveal their composition as they burn—red for oxygen and nitrogen, yellow-gold for iron, mauve for calcium, orange for sodium, and blue-turquoise for magnesium.
What is the best time to see the Perseids in Montreal?
You can see the Perseid meteor shower from July 17 to August 24, 2025.
The peak of visibility in Montreal will be on the night of August 11 to 12, 2025.
Tips for viewing the Perseids meteor shower
Find a dark location: Get away from city lights as much as possible.
Allow your eyes to adjust: It takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair: You'll want to be comfortable while watching.
Look away from the radiant: While the meteors appear to come from the constellation Perseus, it's best to look slightly away from it in the sky.
Be patient: It can take some time to spot meteors, so be prepared to watch for at least 15-20 minutes.
Avoid using your phone: The light from your phone can interfere with your night vision.
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