Every July and August, Earth passes through a dusty trail left by Comet Swift–Tuttle—sparking one of the year’s most spectacular sky shows.

The Perseid meteor shower is famous for its bright, fast meteors that streak across the sky at speeds of up to 133,000 mph. These tiny bits of comet debris hit our atmosphere and burn up in brilliant flashes of light, often producing long trails or even fireballs.

The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, giving the shower its name. It’s one of the most active and reliable meteor showers, with up to 100 meteors per hour at its peak.

When and How to Watch in 2025:

• Duration: July 17 to August 23

• Peak Nights: August 11–13

• Bonus Viewing: Late July to early August may offer better visibility due to darker skies before the bright moon returns

• Best Viewing: Northern Hemisphere, in areas with low light pollution

• Best Time: After midnight and before dawn

• No Equipment Needed: Just lie back, let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes, and look up

• Pro Tip: Bring a blanket or reclining chair—and maybe a hot drink if you’re stargazing pre-dawn