Get ready for the once-a-year sky show – the Perseids, the most famous meteor shower in the northern hemisphere, are back! But before you rush outside hoping to see hundreds of sparkling shooting stars, here’s the bad news: this year, the nearly full moon will shine so brightly that most meteors will be washed out.
The Perseids will be active from July 17 to August 23, with the peak on the night of August 12-13. But right then, the moon will be about 84% illuminated, meaning only the brightest meteors will be visible. So if you planned to watch the show on peak night, you might be disappointed.
Don’t despair! The best time to watch the Perseids this year is actually before and after the peak, when the moonlight is weaker. Between July 18 and 28, the moon will be in phases with minimal light – from the last quarter to the new moon – giving you several nights of dark skies and good chances to catch shooting stars.
Why are the Perseids so special? They are known for their fast, bright streaks that zip across the sky at about 60 kilometers per second. They happen when tiny particles from the tail of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, leaving breathtaking glowing trails.
Though this year’s viewing conditions aren’t perfect, if you’re patient and pick the right moment, you’ll get to enjoy one of the most beautiful celestial spectacles of the year. Just don’t forget to bring warm clothes and get away from city light pollution.
And while you wait for the sky to light up, why not share in the comments which meteor showers you’ve seen before and if you’ve ever caught a real showstopper? Or maybe you have a funny story about missing the stars because of clouds or your phone’s light? Come on, don’t be shy – the sky’s the limit!
