The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak this week, but it may be hindered by the brightness of August’s full moon.
A waning gibbous moon will compromise this shower in the period of maximum activity, according to the American Meteor Shower Society. These conditions will reduce visible activity by at least 75% and only the brightest meteors will be visible.
Here’s what to know.
Where does the Perseid meteor shower get its name from?
The Perseids are active from July 17 to Aug. 23 and are expected to peak on Aug. 12-13.
Considered the best display of the year, the Perseids appear to come from the constellation Perseus, NASA says, hence the name. However, the pieces of debris that create the Perseid meteor shower originate from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
When can you see the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseids, which has been active since July 17 and will continue to be through Aug. 23, will peak on the evenings of Aug. 12 and 13. According to NASA, your best chance to see the shower is during pre-dawn hours, but you could see it as early as 10 p.m.
What will the Perseid meteor shower look like?
The Perseids’ meteors are plentiful, swift and bright, according to NASA. The popular meteor shower consists of 50 to 100 meteors per hour and is known for its fireballs and the long “wakes” of light and color left behind its meteors.
However, conditions aren’t ideal for its peak this year due to the moon being 84% full. People counting the shower’s “shooting stars” might see about 10 to 20 per hour instead of the typical 50 to 100.
Tips to get the best views of the meteor shower
Tips on how to catch the best views of a meteor shower, according to EarthSky.
◾Location, location, location: Find a spot away from city lights, locate the radiant in the sky and get comfortable.
◾No lights: Your eyes will need to adjust to the darkness, which could take 15 to 20 minutes.
◾Dress for the weather: Bring blankets or a camping chair to make the viewing comfortable.
◾Relax: Chill and take in the evening’s sky. Not all meteor showers are spectacular.
Contributing: USA TODAY
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Perseid meteor shower 2025: When to watch despite bright moon