The Perseids meteor shower, the largest and brightest of the year, reaches its peak tonight (August 12-13) in London, offering skywatchers a chance to see up to 125 vivid meteors per hour. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the ideal viewing window is between midnight and 5am, when the moon is below the horizon.
What Is the Perseids Meteor Shower?
Meteor showers consist of debris from comets hurtling around the solar system. Some of that debris hits Earth's atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 miles per second and vaporises, leaving bright streaks of light visible from the ground. The Perseids originate from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle and have been observed since at least 69 BC.
Royal Museums Greenwich calls the Perseids 'one of the best meteor showers of the year'. The shower has been active for several weeks, but the peak, or 'maximum', occurs in mid-August, when the highest number of shooting stars are visible.
When and Where to Watch in London
The Perseids will be at their maximum overnight from Wednesday, August 12 into Thursday, August 13. They will be visible from London, provided weather conditions are good. The forecast for Wednesday night into Thursday is cloud-free and rain-free, with temperatures staying above 20°C all night, making for ideal stargazing conditions.
For the best view, find a spot with an uninterrupted view of the sky and minimal light pollution. Many London parks close after sunset, so check opening hours in advance. Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill are both open all night on Wednesday. Give your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and avoid binoculars or telescopes, as they limit the amount of sky visible.
Other Celestial Events and Next Meteor Shower
On August 12, the same date as the Perseids peak, a deep solar eclipse will also occur. After the Perseids, the next meteor shower is the smaller Draconids, which peaks on October 9.
For those who miss the peak, the Perseids have been visible for weeks and may continue to produce meteors for a few more nights. However, tonight offers the highest number of shooting stars per hour, making it the prime opportunity for Londoners to witness the spectacle.
