The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year, has returned to UK skies and will remain active until August 24. The shower is expected to peak on the night of August 12-13, when up to 150 meteors per hour could be visible, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.
What causes the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid shower originates from debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle (109P/Swift-Tuttle), discovered in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle. This comet takes 133 years to orbit the Sun and last reached its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) in 1992; it will return to perihelion in 2125. As Earth passes through the comet's trail of ice and rock, particles enter the atmosphere at high speed, burning up to create shooting stars and fireballs.
When to see the Perseid meteor shower in the UK
The shower began on July 17 and will be visible until August 24. The number of meteors increases each night, culminating in the peak between August 12 and 13. Unlike many meteor showers, the Perseids are visible to the naked eye without telescopes or binoculars, though such equipment can help in light-polluted areas.
Best viewing tips for the Perseid meteor shower
To maximize your chances, the Royal Museums Greenwich recommends finding a dark location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the horizon. Allow about 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus in the north-eastern sky; stargazing apps can help locate it. Weather conditions significantly affect visibility, so check the forecast before heading out. The 2026 peak coincides with the Buck Moon, which may make fainter meteors harder to see, but plenty of time remains to catch the show.
