Every summer one of the most spectacular meteor showers graces the night sky. The Perseids, known for their bright, fast meteors and high hourly rates, are a favorite among stargazers, photographers, and astronomers. Beginning mid-July and peaking around mid-August, no telescope is required to witness these cosmic fireworks.
The Perseids typically run from mid-July to late August and this year’s peak night is August 12-13.
The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, giving the shower its name. From our perspective here on Earth the Perseids come from the northeastern sky and rise higher as the night progresses, which makes late night into early morning the best time to observe. At times, and in the right places, meteors can be seen as early as 10 p.m.
