Ah, the Perseids! The most famous meteor shower in the northern hemisphere, thrilling millions every year, is back again—but with a huge catch! If you planned to enjoy the spectacle on August 12 and 13, brace yourself for disappointment because a nearly full moon will flood the sky with so much light that most meteors will be invisible to the naked eye. Yes, you read that right! The moon will illuminate the sky up to 84% during the peak, meaning only the brightest shooting stars will be visible.
Usually, the advice is to watch meteor showers from places far from light pollution, but this year, that won’t help much. The best time to watch will actually be before and after the peak, between July 18 and 28, when the moonlight is weaker. The sky will be darker then, and you might catch a few bright meteor streaks.
The Perseids are known for their fast and bright trails, created when tiny particles from the tail of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle enter Earth’s atmosphere at about 60 km/s and burn up, leaving breathtaking glowing streaks. Although conditions this year aren’t ideal, patience and timing could still give you a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful celestial shows of the year.
So, if you’ve already got your blanket and lounge chair ready, maybe it’s time to think of a plan B or prepare to battle the moonlight. And if you do manage to catch a meteor, don’t forget to share your lucky moment—maybe you’ll be the one to prove that moonlight isn’t unbeatable! Who knows, this might be the year only the most persistent get to enjoy the Perseids. What do you think? Has the moonlight ruined the show or is it just an extra challenge for true sky lovers? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s optimistic and who’s already planning to complain about the moon!
