The Perseid meteor shower is widely considered as the best shower each year. The celestial event is a delight for the stargazers when the sky will be adorned and lightened up with a steady stream of shooting stars visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
The 2025 annual event will begin on July 17 and last through August 23, 2025, according to the American Meteor Society.
What are Perseids?
The Perseids are particles emitted from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The comet was first identified by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle in 1862. As the comet travels through the solar system, it leaves behind a trail of dust and rocky debris. This trail is often called the “Perseid Cloud.”
Meaning of Perseids
The name “Perseids” comes from the fact that meteors appear to radiate from a point in the sky within the constellation Perseus.
Predicted peak time of meteor shower
The shooting star phenomenon will reach its peak on warm 12 or 13 August nights, depending on the year. Normal rates from rural locations range from 50-75 shower members per hour at maximum.
The best place to see meteor shower
Perseids shower exhibiting whizzing meteors and blazing fireballs, can be best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere.
The suitable time to watch the shower
Like other meteor showers, the Perseids are best observed during the dark hours between midnight and dawn. According NASA, under the right condition, it is also possible to view meteors as early as 10 p.m. ET.
The gazers who would step out at the right time can witness 100 Perseid meteors per hour streaking across the night sky, leaving behind the color and light.
Potential setback during shower
Unfortunately, the shower is expected to meet with a potential setback. In 2025, the waning gibbous moon will severely compromise the shower at the hours of maximum activity. As a result, the celestial activity will be reduced by 75%, making the meteors less visible.
No telescope is needed for this spectacular sight. Just step outside at the peak time and enjoy the meteorite shower.