The Perseid meteor shower is always a highlight of summer. This year, though, the experience may not quite shine as bright due to a near-full moon. Let’s look at what you can expect.
When Does It Happen?
The Perseids started on July 14 and will run until September 1. But if you want to catch the best show, mark your calendar for the peak nights of August 12-13.
Sadly, this year, a bright moon will rise just as it gets dark. This means many meteors will be hard to see.
What Experts Are Saying
The American Meteor Society warns that the bright moon could cut the usual 50 to 75 meteors per hour down to just 12 to 18. They describe this as a significant drop that could make this year’s shower less exciting.
NASA agrees, noting that moonlight will mask most of the meteors. But there’s a silver lining: the Geminids meteor shower in December will have much better viewing conditions. The Geminids, running from December 1 to 21, might offer up to 150 meteors per hour during its peak on December 13-14.
Historical Context
Back in 1993, the Perseids dazzled viewers with as many as 300 meteors an hour during their peak. Conditions were perfect then, with dark skies and no moonlight. This contrast highlights how much the moon can affect our viewing experience today.
Recent Trends
Social media is lighting up with discussions about this year’s Perseid shower. Many users are sharing tips on how to spot meteors despite the moon’s glare—like finding darker spots away from city lights.
Seeing a meteor shower is always an awe-inspiring experience. Even if this year’s Perseids may be a bit underwhelming, the Geminids could still offer a remarkable spectacle later this year.
Whether you’re a seasoned sky watcher or a casual observer, it’s always fun to look up and enjoy what the universe has to offer.
Source link
Perseid meteor shower,shooting stars,Geminids meteor shower,clear skies,August 2025,perseids 2025,shooting stars tonight,meteor showers 2025