Perseid Meteor Shower Begins This Week: When to Look Up

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most popular annual sky events, officially starts on July 17 and will run through late August. This year, skywatchers can expect to see shooting stars on almost any clear night during this period. The Perseids are known for producing bright, fast meteors, and at their peak in mid-August, observers can see up to 60 to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The shower occurs when Earth passes through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As the tiny particles enter our atmosphere at high speed, they burn up, creating streaks of light. This year, the Perseids overlap with two other minor meteor showers, the Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids, which means more opportunities to spot meteors. To get the best view, find a dark location away from city lights. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, but they can be seen across the sky. No special equipment is needed—just your eyes and patience. The best viewing time is usually after midnight until dawn. While the Perseids are active from July 17, the peak night is expected around August 11-13. However, even before the peak, you may see several meteors per hour. This year, the moon will set early during the peak, leaving a dark sky for excellent viewing. Mark your calendar and look up for a natural light show.