The countdown to the most followed meteor shower of the summer is already underway: the Perseids reach their peak with an eye on the night of August 12th. On those dates, small fragments of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle They burn up in the atmosphere and leave light trails at 50–60 km/s visible from much of the northern hemisphere.
This year, Very bright moon Due to its recent full moon, it will complicate the observation of the weaker meteors. Therefore, scientific organizations recommend take advantage of the strip just after sunset, before the satellite gains altitude, or when it remains very low above the horizon to reduce its dazzling effect.
Date and time of the maximum
The activity of the Perseids extends every year between July 17 and August 24, but the expected peak in 2025 is on the night of August 12th around 22:00 PM (peninsular time). Although, in addition, it is usually peaks of activity outside the maximum, so the adjoining nights (11 and 13) are also good options.
With the Moon very bright a few days after full, the best observation windows They will arrive just after sunset and especially before the moon rises on the nights close to the appointed date, as recommended by the National Astronomical Observatory and the National Geographic Institute.
What they are and where they come from
The spectacle occurs when the Earth passes through a ring of particles from comet 109P/Swift-TuttleThese meteoroids, the size of a grain of sand or smaller, enter the atmosphere at high speed and they become incandescent, so what we see are not falling stars, but tiny fragments of burning dust.
El radiant, the point in the sky from which they appear to originate, is located in the constellation of Perseus. Hence their name, which also connects with tradition: in Spain and other European countries they are known as “Tears of Saint Lawrence” due to its proximity to August 10, the saint's day.
These light traces are usually visible around the 100 kilometers highIn the best episodes, the zenith hourly rate can skyrocket, but the actual figure depends on the darkness of the place and the height of the radiant, among other factors.
How to observe them better
To enjoy the rain, it is essential to look for dark and clear skies, away from light pollution. Avoid buildings, hills, or trees that block the horizon and choose a location with a good view of the sky to increase your chances of seeing meteors.
No need for a telescope or binoculars: the Perseids are a phenomenon naked eyeThe ideal is to lie down on a blanket or lounger, let your eyes adapt for 20 minutes to darkness and reduce exposure to bright mobile phone screens to improve perception.
To maximize observation with a bright Moon, it is advisable look into the darkest areas and in the opposite direction to the satellite's position. In addition, a camera with long exposure can capture multiple strokes in a single shot.
Remember that the radiant gains height as the night progresses, although the lunar clarity It will be most noticeable after midnight; therefore, it is advisable to look for very dark places with clear horizons.
What to expect in 2025
The Moon was full on August 9, so the night of the 12th to the 13th will be waning but very brightThis may reduce the number of visible meteors, especially the fainter ones, although many bright Perseids will still stand out.
In very dark places and with high radiant, it is possible exceed one hundred meteors per hourHowever, with moonlight, it is most reasonable to wait several dozen per hour under the best conditions. The typical speed of meteors ranges from 50 and 60 km/s, which explains its brilliance and transience.
Experts remind us that the Perseids are the most popular rain of summer due to its visibility and the time of year, although not necessarily the most intense in absolute terms compared to the Geminids or Quadrantids.
It is interesting how some meteoroids do not disintegrate in the atmosphere, but impact the Moon, where there is no air to slow its fall, creating microcraters at dizzying speeds.
