Overview
- The Perseids are expected to reach their maximum overnight on Aug. 12–13, with experts saying dark-sky sites could see dozens to as many as about 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
- The shower is caused by Earth passing through debris from Comet Swift‑Tuttle, which produces fast, bright meteors that can leave long glowing trails in the atmosphere.
- A partial solar eclipse will occur earlier on Aug. 12 but will not affect the overnight Perseid display, and observers in eclipse zones should use certified solar viewers for safety during the daytime event.
- Practical tips from NASA and space agencies include finding a dark, open site, allowing 20–30 minutes for eyes to adjust, looking generally toward the northeast as Perseus rises, and avoiding phone screens to preserve night vision.
- Local viewing will vary by weather and light pollution, with region-specific windows noted — for example, India’s best pre-dawn window is roughly 2:00–4:30 AM IST — and many groups are running guided, ticketed events in dark locations such as UAE deserts.