One of the highlights of the summer sky is here: the Perseid meteor shower! It’s set to peak on the evening of August 12 and will continue into the early morning of August 13.
You can catch the action live online thanks to the Virtual Telescope Project. They’ll start hosting a free livestream at 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT). Viewers can expect to see dozens of shooting stars each hour. The event will feature real-time views from central Italy, where the skies are dark and perfect for stargazing. An astrophysicist, Gianluca Masi, will also share insights during the livestream. You can watch it on their WebTV page or their YouTube channel.
The Perseids happen every year from mid-July to late August. This shower stands out for its bright meteors, some of which can shine brighter than Venus! This dazzling display occurs as Earth travels through dust and debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. It’s fascinating to think about how we’re literally passing through the comet’s trail.
This year, if the skies are clear, you might see between 50 and 100 meteors an hour at peak times. However, a bright waning gibbous moon will be rising before midnight, which could make it harder to spot the fainter meteors. Still, the brightest ones should stand out, especially in the early morning hours when the constellation Perseus rises high in the northeastern sky.
The ideal viewing time for the shower is between 3 and 4 a.m. local time. For the best experience, find a dark spot, and give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. Good news: you don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the show—just your eyes!
User reactions on social media about the Perseid shower have been buzzing, with many excited to share their plans for viewing. Some even post photos and videos when they catch a meteor or two.
The Perseids are not just a beautiful natural event; they also remind us of the vastness of our universe. Each year, millions gather—either online or outdoors—to witness this magical display. So whether you’re watching from your backyard or tuning in via livestream, the Perseids are sure to be a treat!
For more details about astronomy and upcoming celestial events, visit NASA’s website.
