Perseid meteor shower: How to see the shooting star spectacle Perseid meteor shower: How to see the shooting star spectacle

If you’re an avid stargazer, you’ll likely be preparing to experience one of the best dark sky events of the year.

The Perseid Meteor Shower, an annual dark sky spectacle, is set to put on its most dazzling display over the next few nights.

The shower is the prime time of the year to see shooting stars – and many of them! With astrotourism growing in popularity in 2024, more of us thank ever before will be looking up to the night sky for the astronomical event.

What is the Perseid meteor shower?

A meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through broken down parts of comets and asteroids.

The Perseids – named after the Perseus constellation – forms from debris of a comet called Swift-Tuttle.

These then form meteors, which are often referred to as ‘shooting stars’.

During the Perseid meteor shower, scientists have said that more than 100 meteors are expected to be spotted during its peak.

At other times, around 5 are said to be seen within an hour.

When is the best time to see the Perseid meteor shower?

The Perseid meteor shower is expected to put on its most dramatic display on the night of 12-13 August.

If you miss out on the main event, don’t worry, there are more opportunities for stargazers to catch the spectacle, although you will need to stay patient and keep your eyes peeled as the meteors will be much fewer.

The shower is active every year between mid-July and mid-August. This year, it is due between 17 July – 24 August, so you have several more days to wish on a shooting start after its peak.

Where is the best place to see Perseid meteor shower?

The northern hemisphere will see the most dramatic displays, but the darker the location, the better.

The UK is home to 21 International Dark Sky Reserves, which experience very little light pollution. Any of these will be great locations for observing the spectacle, although locations in Scotland and England are due to have clearer nights with minimal cloud cover.

Elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, Jordan is one of the most popular locations for astronomy enthusiasts to visit during the Perseids. The otherworldly Wadi Rum often sees meteor showers throughout the year, but the Perseid meteor shower is undoubtedly the most sought-after.

If you are unable to make it to a dark sky reserve, finding the darkest places in your neighbourhood that is little-affected by light pollution should also offer an opportunity to witness the event.

Stargazers are advised to stay patient, keeping their eyes focussed on the night sky in order to adjust to the darkness and enjoy the most dramatic displays.