Perseid Meteor Shower Reaches Its Peak: When and How to Witness This Spectacular Celestial Show

Get ready for an awe-inspiring night as the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, reaches its peak tonight.

This year’s conditions are ideal for viewing, with clear skies and the moon setting around 11:30 p.m. local time, according to NASA. The meteor activity will increase steadily from midnight until dawn. If you’re in a dark area away from city lights, you could witness up to 75 meteors per hour, zooming across the sky at an astonishing speed of 133,200 miles per hour.

To maximize your viewing experience, focus your gaze toward the northeastern sky, where the Perseids appear to originate. Lying back and scanning as much of the sky as possible will give you the best chance to catch these meteors as they can appear from any direction.

The Perseid meteor shower is renowned for its bright, colorful meteors and often leaves behind glowing trails. These meteors are fragments of the Swift-Tuttle comet, which the Earth passes through each year, creating this spectacular natural display. Occasionally, you may even spot a fireball, a larger and brighter meteor that lights up the night sky.

Though the Perseids will continue to be visible until September 1st, the peak night offers the most stunning display. No special equipment is necessary to enjoy the Perseids; simply find the darkest spot you can, away from artificial lights. For the best experience, lie flat on your back and look straight up, allowing your eyes 30 to 45 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid looking at your phone, as the screen’s light can hamper your night vision.