Perseids meteor shower to peak Aug. 12-13 under dark new-moon skies
The annual Perseids meteor shower is expected to reach its maximum on Aug. 12-13, with ideal viewing conditions thanks to a new moon and potentially up to 90 meteors per hour in dark locations.
The Perseids meteor shower, regarded as the most popular annual meteor display, will reach its peak between August 12 and August 13. Because the peak coincides with a new moon, the sky will be especially dark, offering optimal conditions for observers, weather permitting.
Typical visibility in low-light-pollution areas ranges from 30 to 50 meteors per hour, but new-moon years can produce rates of 90 or more per hour, according to the American Meteor Society. The shower has been active since July 17 and will continue through August 24, with activity generally declining after the peak.
Astronomy outlet EarthSky advises that the best viewing window will be in the pre-dawn hours of August 12 and 13. Observers are encouraged to find a location away from city lights and to monitor cloud forecasts for the clearest possible sky.