Don't miss the Perseids! Here's when and where to watch this year's most dazzling meteor show

One of summer's most spectacular sky shows is about to peak. The Perseid Meteor Shower, known for its dazzling fireballs and bright streaks of light, has already begun and will peak soon. Even with moonlight interference, it promises a spectacular cosmic display that you should not miss.

Although moonlight may dim the meteor shower, fireballs and bright trails will still be visible. Find a dark sky location and look for Perseus.

People flock to the night sky to witness the yearly Perseid Meteor Shower when night falls during this period. Often containing a large number of meteors, this is regarded as one of the year's best meteor showers.


Long light streaks can be seen behind some of these meteors. Others have different colors and seem very bright. These are referred to as "fireballs."

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When and where should you watch it?

From late July to late August, one of the most amazing summertime events takes place. On July 17th, the Perseids began to appear and will remain visible until August 23rd. You may occasionally spot a meteor during this month-long display. There is a chance of 25 per hour during the peak on August 12 and 13, as per a report by CBS News.

The Perseid Meteor Shower's peak this year will coincide with a nearly full moon, which is problematic. Some of the meteors will be washed out by the bright night sky due to the full moon, which occurs on the morning of August 9.

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Although that will present some challenges, you should still look for a dark location with a clear view of the night sky in order to get the best views. The best course of action is to search for the meteor shower's radiant, as quoted in a report by CBS News.

What causes the Perseid Meteor Shower?

The Perseid Meteor Shower appears to have its origin in a radiant, which is the constellation Perseus. Their peak activity typically occurs between 11 p.m. and dawn. Debris from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle is what causes the Perseid Meteor Shower.

According to NASA, the orbit of this 16-mile-wide comet around the Sun takes 133 years. That comet's remnants are traveling at a speed of 37 miles per second. That comes to 133,200 miles per hour if you do the math.

At that speed, even small debris particles cause a great deal of friction and heat when they crash into Earth's atmosphere. A streak of light appears in the night sky as a result of the debris burning up!

FAQs

When is the best time to see the Perseids in 2025?
The peak viewing is during the nights of August 12 and 13, especially after 11 p.m.

Do I need a telescope to see the meteors?
Nope, just your eyes, a clear sky, and a dark spot away from city lights.