Since men began to walk the Earth, meteor showers, also known as shooting star showers, have been one of the phenomena that have captured human interest.
Currently, both professional and amateur astronomers keep an eye on the meteor shower calendar, waiting to see if the weather will be suitable for enjoying the celestial event. And August is the month when one of the most famous meteor showers in the world occurs: the Perseids
What are the Perseids and why are they so famous?
Perseids 2025: How and when to enjoy the most anticipated celestial spectacle of the year (Photo: AFP PHOTO /NASA/BILL INGALLS/HANDOUT )
The Perseid meteor shower, also known as the Tears of Saint Lawrence, begins to be visible from mid-July through August. It gets its name because, seen from Earth, it appears to originate from the constellation Perseus.
NASA explains that the Perseids are considered “the best meteor shower of the year.” “With fast-moving, bright meteors, the Perseids typically leave long trails of light and color as they pass through Earth’s atmosphere,” argues the US space agency.
The Perseids themselves are one of the most abundant meteor showers, with between 50 and 100 sightings per hour. They occur during warm summer nights in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing skywatchers to observe them comfortably.
The Perseids are also known for their “fireballs”—larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor trail.
The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle that are usually visible from mid-July to late-August. (Photo by NASA/Preston Dyches)
When will the Perseids be best seen in 2025?
The 2025 Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17th to August 23th, according to the American Meteor Society. This year, the meteor shower will peak on the night between August 12th and August 13th. It usually offers a spectacular display and is expected to produce 50 meteors per hour this year in a dark location. Nevertheless, this 2025 it will be compromised.
The astronomical calendar indicates that there will be a gibbous moon in the night sky during the peak of the 2025 Perseids, which will significantly reduce their visibility—by about 75%—on their peak day. Thus, only the brightest meteors will be visible.
Therefore, take advantage of the nights and early mornings before August 9—the date when the Sturgeon Moon will be at its peak—to enjoy the Perseid spectacle.
Where and how to watch the 2025 Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseids are most visible in the Northern Hemisphere, but can also be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. The meteors will appear to originate from an area near the constellation Perseus. From this area of the sky, they will extend in all directions, explains The Planetary Society.
The best way to observe a meteor shower is from a location with a dark sky, so to see the Perseids, it’s best to stay as far away from cities as possible. It’s also recommended to arrive early to let your eyes adjust to the darkness and avoid looking directly at the Moon.
The Perseids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the hours before dawn, although meteors can sometimes be seen as early as 10:00 p.m.
It’s not necessary to use telescopes to view the Perseids. In fact, some find it better to view them without any instruments in order to have a wider field of view.
At timeanddate.com, you’ll find the ideal time and direction to view the Perseids depending on your location.
