The 2025 Perseid meteor shower won't be ideal. Here are more meteor showers that will be.
The meteor shower began in July and will end near the end of August, but the moon, which was at its peak early morning on Saturday, Aug. 9, could interfere with what is usually a dazzling celestial show.
However, from August to December, six more meteor showers will peak, and three of them will be around the time of the new moon. So our moon won't interfere with them the way it would during its peak, when it looks full.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Perseid meteor shower.
When does the Perseid meteor shower peak?
The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of Tuesday, August 12, into the early morning of August 13 before sunrise, according to the American Meteor Society's website.
What happens when the Perseids peak?
Usually, during its peak, there will be up to 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, according to the American Meteor Society.
The meteor shower is known to produce very bright meteors, often referred to as fireballs.
However, in 2025, the showers' peak will not meet these ideal conditions because the moon will be too bright, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, previously told USA TODAY.
This year's peak will occur around four days after the full moon's peak.
More news: Perseid meteor shower nears its 2025 peak, but viewing might be 'hampered'
More meteor showers in 2025
The meteor showers that have already happened this year are Quadrantids (started in 2024 but peaked in January 2025), Lyrids, Eta Aquariids, and, most recently, the Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids, according to the American Meteor Society website.
The site also states that there are several more happening this year, which include:
The Quadrantids will also begin in 2025, on Friday, Dec. 26, but it will not peak until Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, when the moon will be 100% full.
Since the Quadrantids start in 2025 but peak in 2026, six more meteor showers are set to reach their peak this year.
Which meteor showers will be the easiest to view this year?
Depending on the weather and cloud coverage, the showers that occur closer to the new moon will receive less interference from the light of the moon, and it will be easier to see, Lunsford previously said.
So, of the six meteor showers that will reach their peak, the Orionids, Leonids, and Ursids will have the least amount of interference from the moon and offer better views.
Where should you face to see the Perseids?
If you're still determined to see the Perseids, "you should face away from the moon," said Lunsford.
While they can come from anywhere, the moon's light could affect your chances of seeing a meteor, but there is a small way to remedy that.
"Lie back, look up, and scan the entire sky," the American Meteor Society stated. "Meteors can appear in any part of the sky, though they will appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, in the northeast."
Those hoping to see the shower should also do the following, according to the society:
For optimal comfort, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray, and bring a blanket or a reclining chair.
Do you need any equipment to see the meteor shower?
No, onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor shower, according to the society.
However, Lunsford said that those interested in purchasing equipment should steer clear of telescopes that cost less than $500 and recommends purchasing from Celestron.
He advises beginners to opt for a telescope with a lens instead of a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends a pair of binoculars.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
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