Where can you see the Perseid meteor shower? When it peaks and when to check the skies
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
According to the American Meteor Society, this celestial event is the most popular meteor shower. Particles are released from a comet named 109P/Swift-Tuttle as it returns to the inner solar system. The name "Perseid" comes from Perseus, the constellation near where the meteors appear to originate at maximum activity.
When is the Perseid meteor shower?
The shower is active now, and skywatchers might catch it starting at around 11 p.m.
According to space.com, it's active from mid-July through late August and will peak overnight between Aug. 12 and 13.
Can I see the Perseid meteor shower in Kentucky?
It's possible — the phenomenon is most visible from the northern hemisphere, according to the American Meteor Society.
Its peak is close to the Aug. 9 full moon, so moonlight could affect viewing. The American Meteor Society predicted the moon will be at 84% full at the meteor shower's peak.
Other astronomical events happening in July 2025
If you plan on observing the sky this month, writes NASA, keep the following dates in mind for July 2025:
July 21 & 22 – Moon, Venus & Jupiter – You can find the crescent moon and the planet Venus toward the east in the morning sky. With a clear view toward the horizon you can also spot Jupiter low in the sky.
July 28 – Moon & Mars – The crescent Moon appears right next to Mars after sunset.
All month – Constellation: Aquila – You can spot the Eagle constellation, Aquila, in the eastern part of the sky during the first half of the night, writes NASA. Its brightest star, Altair, is the southernmost star in the Summer Triangle, which is an easy-to-locate star pattern in Northern Hemisphere summer skies.
All month – Milky Way core: The bright central bulge of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is visible all night through August. It is best observed from dark sky locations far from bright city lights, and appears as a faint, cloud-like band arching across the sky toward the south.
Need help finding stars, planets and constellations? Try these free astronomy apps
The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations.
SkyView Lite for iPhone | Google Play
Star Walk 2 for iPhone | Google Play
Star Chart for iPhone | Google Play
for iPhone | Google Play
When is the full moon in August 2025?
The full Sturgeon Moon should reach peak illumination by Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Where can you see Perseids in the night sky? How to watch the 2025 event
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