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Perseid meteor shower set to light up the night sky; Know the dates, when and where to watch, best viewing tips
One of the most spectacular celestial events of the year is back, and despite a bright moon interfering with the view, the
Perseid meteor shower
is still set to put on a dazzling show. Often considered the crown jewel of annual meteor showers, the Perseids are a summertime favorite for skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere, offering a combination of high meteor counts and fast streaking fireballs.
This year, the shower will be active from July 17 through August 23, with peak activity expected in the pre-dawn hours of August 13.
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What causes the Perseids?
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The Perseids occur each year when Earth passes through the debris trail left by
comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle
, a 16-mile-wide icy body that last passed near the Sun in 1992 and won't return until 2126. As the planet moves through this stream of leftover comet particles, the tiny bits, many no larger than grains of sand, hit Earth's atmosphere at incredibly high speeds and burn up in bright flashes of light.
Those flashes, or meteors, appear to radiate from a point in the sky near the constellation
Perseus
, giving the shower its name.
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The Perseids are known for producing particularly bright, long-lasting meteors, with many leaving glowing trails or even ending in explosive bursts of light known as fireballs.
What to expect in 2025
Under perfect conditions, away from city lights, on a moonless night, observers can typically expect 50 to 75 meteors per hour during the peak of the Perseids. However, this year's peak comes with a caveat as the Moon will be 84 percent full on the night of August 12–13, and its brightness is expected to drown out some of the fainter meteors.
Still, astronomers estimate that up to 25 meteors per hour may remain visible, particularly the brightest and most dramatic ones.
'While the Moon's glare will reduce visibility, the Perseids are resilient,' said Dr. Elena Serrano, an astronomer at the
Royal Astronomical Society
. 'It may not be a perfect year, but it's still well worth stepping outside to catch the brightest meteors streaking across the sky.'
Best viewing tips
To maximize your chances of seeing the show, find a dark, open area well away from city lights, such as a park, rural field, or mountain lookout. Experts recommend arriving at your chosen location at least an hour before dawn, when the skies are darkest and Perseus is higher in the sky, and allowing your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
No telescope or binoculars are needed; in fact, the wide view of the naked eye is ideal. Just lie back, look northeast toward Perseus, and scan the sky. Avoid using phones or bright flashlights, which can compromise your night vision.
'Watching a meteor shower is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring ways to connect with the universe,' said Serrano. 'All you need is a clear sky, a little patience, and maybe a blanket or reclining chair.'
Can't catch them? There's more to come
If clouds or moonlight spoil your view this time, don't worry, meteor season is just getting started. The Orionids peak in October, and the Geminids, another fan favorite, will make their appearance in December, often boasting high meteor rates and brilliant fireballs of their own.
