The annual Perseid meteor shower kicked off on July 17, and will continue till August 23, according to Nasa. Known for its bright, swift meteors that often leave behind long, colourful trails, the Perseids remain one of the most anticipated sky events of the year.
Why it happens
This spectacular display takes place as Earth moves through a trail of debris left by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The tiny particles — many no larger than a grain of sand — burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, producing the brilliant streaks of light that illuminate the night sky.
When and where it is visible
The shower is set to peak on the night of August 12 into the early hours of August 13. Under ideal conditions, sky watchers can witness 50 to 75 meteors per hour, with the count potentially soaring to 150 meteors per hour in denser regions of the debris stream.Experts from the American meteor society told USA Today that viewing conditions in 2025 won’t be ideal, as a full moon on August 9 is likely to drown out the dimmer meteors, making the spectacle less vivid than usual.According to BBC Weather, while the meteor shower will be visible across the UK from July 17 to August 24, cloud cover and thundery downpours over the weekend may hamper visibility. Clearer skies are expected the following week, improving chances for a successful sighting.
How to get the best view of the meteor shower
For the best experience:
- Head to a dark location, far from city lights
- Look for the radiant point in the constellation Perseus in the northeastern sky
- Watch between midnight and just before sunrise
- Allow your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and avoid using smartphones or any bright screens to preserve night vision.
- No telescope or binoculars needed
