The Perseid meteor shower is a prolific annual meteor shower associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle. It is visible every year from mid-July to late August, peaking around August 12-13. During the peak, observers can see 60 or more meteors per hour, mostly visible in the Northern Hemisphere as the meteors radiate from the constellation Perseus. The meteors burn up in the Earth's atmosphere above 80 kilometers, creating bright streaks and sometimes fireballs. The shower occurs when Earth passes through debris left by comet Swift-Tuttle along its 133-year orbit.
Key Facts About the Perseid Meteor Shower
- Active Period: Mid-July to late August
- Peak Time in 2025: Night of August 12–13
- Meteor Rate: Around 60 to 150 meteors per hour at peak times
- Radiant: Constellation Perseus
- Origin: Debris from comet Swift-Tuttle
- Visibility: Best visible in the Northern Hemisphere, especially after midnight and before dawn
- Height of Meteors: Meteors burn up above 80 km altitude
Observation Tips
- Best observed away from city lights to reduce light pollution.
- Allow eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to darkness.
- Meteors appear across the sky but seem to radiate from Perseus.
- The shower can produce many bright, fast meteors with visible trails.
Cultural and Historical Context
The Perseids have been observed for centuries, traditionally linked to the "tears of Saint Lawrence" due to their timing around August 10, the saint's feast day. This meteor shower has been scientifically linked to comet Swift- Tuttle since the 19th century. In 2025, the Perseid peak occurred on August 12–13, providing a spectacular show despite interference from a waxing gibbous moon that brightened the sky.
