Date Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak this week - how to see the Perseids

Date Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak this week - and the best time frame to look for the Perseids

You could see up to 100 meteors per hour during the Perseid meteor shower.

The solar eclipse is not the only astronomical event happening this week. You might also be able to catch the Perseid meteor shower as it reaches its peak.

Here’s all you need to know about the Perseid meteor shower, including the best time to look for the Perseids.

The Perseid meteor shower explained

Royal Museums Greenwich explains that as comets get close to the Sun, they heat up and pieces break off. If the debris gets in the Earth’s path around the Sun, it can slam into our atmosphere at speeds of between seven to 45 miles per second. The average speed for a Perseid meteor is 36 miles per second.

Members of the York Astronomical Society prepare to view the annual Perseids meteor shower in the village of Rufforth, near York, northern England on 12 August 2015.

How to see the Perseid meteor shower

You should try to reduce the amount of light pollution. You could do this by heading out to the countryside, a nearby park or turning away from street lights. Give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the dark.

Try to get into a position where you can see lots of sky as meteors can appear in any part of the sky. Find an area with a clear view of the horizon away from trees and buildings. Binoculars and telescopes are not necessary as they will restrict the size of the sky that will be visible to you.

What direction to look for the Perseid meteor shower

The meteors will seem to originate from the constellation of Perseus. Royal Museums Greenwich says you can use a stargazing app to find the exact location to look.

When the Perseid meteor shower will peak

In 2026, the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August. The number of meteors will increase every night until it reaches the peak, which is in the early morning hours between midnight and dawn on 12 and 13 August this year.

What is the best time to look for the Perseid meteor shower

According to Royal Museums Greenwich, observers in the UK should be able to see some meteors as soon as the Sun sets.

In 2026, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower fortunately occurs during new Moon, so conditions are ideal for seeing the peak. The best time to see the Perseids is between midnight and 5.30am. It is always ideal to try to spot meteors when the Moon is below the horizon or when it is in its crescent phase, otherwise it acts as natural light pollution.