The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most prolific and visually striking annual celestial events, reaches its peak tonight.
With up to 150 meteors per hour expected under optimal conditions, this spectacle is a highlight of the astronomical calendar. The shower has been active since 17 July and will continue until 24 August, but the night of 12-13 August marks the period of greatest activity.
The Perseids occur as Earth passes through the trail of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As these fragments enter the atmosphere, they burn brightly, creating the familiar streaks of light across the night sky.
Best time to view
The shower will be most visible from midnight through to dawn on 13 August. The radiant point, where the meteors appear to originate, rises in the late evening and reaches its highest elevation at dawn. This timing offers the best chance to witness the full intensity of the display.
However, visibility may be compromised by residual brightness from the recent Sturgeon Moon. The moonlight could obscure fainter meteors, so darker locations away from urban light pollution will offer the best viewing experience.
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Weather conditions
Tonight’s forecast presents a mixed picture across the UK. While some areas will enjoy favourable conditions, others may contend with cloud cover and isolated weather disturbances.
- Central England and Wales: Clear skies are expected from London to Manchester and across much of Wales. These regions offer the most promising conditions for uninterrupted viewing.
- North East and South West England: Cloud cover is likely to develop from midnight onwards, thickening into the early hours and potentially obscuring the meteor shower. By 4am, this cloud may extend along the south coast.
- Far North: Low cloud is anticipated, with mist and fog forming in southern and south-western Britain, which could hinder visibility.
- Central England/Wales (early evening): A very small chance of isolated thunderstorms exists over central England and Wales, but these are expected to fade, leaving clear periods for most.
- Temperatures: Evening temperatures will remain in the high teens to low 20s Celsius, providing comfortable conditions for those venturing outdoors to observe the shower.
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Viewing tips
To maximise your chances of seeing the Perseids:
- Choose a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the sky.
- Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes.
- Avoid using mobile phones or bright lights during viewing.
- Bring a reclining chair for comfort.
Despite some regional cloud cover, many parts of the UK, particularly central England and Wales, are set for favourable viewing conditions tonight. With clear skies and mild temperatures, it’s an excellent opportunity to witness one of nature’s most dazzling displays. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious newcomer, the Perseid meteor shower promises a memorable night under the stars.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.