Updated for 2011
Every year in early August, we can observe the Perseid meteor shower (“the Perseids”) and it’s a fascinating sky event. This year 2011, the Perseid peak activity is expected on Saturday August 13th 2011.
Unfortunately, there is a full Moon on the same day and this will make observing difficult (but not impossible, so don’t give in until next year!)
Here’s a beginners’ guide to the Perseid meteor shower and how best to enjoy it. (Perhaps, impress your friends with these astronomy questions and answers!)
What are the Perseids and what is a meteor?
Every year in August, the Earth passes through rock and dust fragments left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle, last time it came near the Sun. As these small particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn-up, often creating a startling streak of light across the sky.
You can easily observe this and it can be a wonderous spectacle.
Why is it called the Perseid meteor shower?
The term “Perseid”, refers to the star constellation of Perseus.
View of Perseid meteor radiant point, above NE horizon after midnight
The meteors actually have nothing to do with the stars we see from Earth, as being part of Perseus. It just appears as though the meteors originate from Perseus.
In fact, the rock fragments are close to the Earth – that’s why they burn in our atmosphere.
They are very close, just a few hundred miles – not many, many light years distant like the stars.
But, if you trace-back the bright trails of meteors we see, they appear to originate from the stars of Perseus.
When can you see them?
The Perseid meteor shower actually starts in late July and runs to late August. However, the best time to view is around the peak.
It’s not precise, but the 2011 peak is expected on August 13th.
The predicted peak hours are during the European night and morning (01.00 – 13.00 GMT). So if you are in the US, the peak may be better placed in your night, whereas for those in Asia and the East, the predicted peak will be during daytime, so you should observe the night before and after.
But having said that, there is always uncertainty in these meteor shower predictions, so it may be very worthwhile to observe during the hours of darkness and indeed, other nights, before and after the expected peak.
This year the Moon will be a problem, as mentioned already. Full Moon and meteor observing, are not best friends.
What equipment do you need to observe the meteor shower?
The good news is none! Just use your eyes.
It will help your observation if you give your eyes some time (say 15 minutes), to become adapted to the darkness.
Binoculars may also help, but on the other hand, they may restrict your view to a small part of the sky.
The meteors originate in the region of Perseus, but they may appear in view just about anywhere in the sky. Although, if you were to track-back their trails, you would get to Perseus.
Can they be measured, at all?
Yes. Keen astronomers count how many appear in a fixed period of time, in a certain area of the sky. This is expressed as a Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR).
We may expect around 100 streaks of meteor light across the sky per hour, at or near the shower peak.
Do please look-up and be alert for Perseid meteors, on Saturday 13th August during hours of darkness and in the nights before and after.
Best of observing luck!
hi, i live in the norht-west in merseyside, England
and im just wondering when is the best time to catch this Perseid Meteor shower?
Fairly sure I see one tonight, only a couple of minutes after I went out to my back garden. It shot out south from the cassiopeia region, very, very fast and thin yellow streak. It lasted only a split second. Time around 22:10
Texy
HI
CAN I SEE THIS IN COLOMBIA? I WILL LOVE TO GO UP ONE OF THE MOUNTAINS OF MY CITY (MEDELLIN) TO TAKE A LOOK! I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS IN MY LIFE!
THX MELISSA
I seen about 17 last night, the best moment was 3 in about 30 seconds. Another meteorite left a vapour trail, which was cool. My conditions where cloudy so I hope the skies will be clear tonight in Ireland!
I cant wait….the wine is flowing, the deck chairs are pointing north east and the sky is clear….I just hope my sunburn doesnt obscure everyones view….this is gonna be awesome
Thanks for this blog Kevin….nice one .
Thanks for the recent comments and questions.
Please forgive me if I don’t answer each individually, because there are two frequent questions I can best answer here..
Q1. What time should I look, in my location?
A1. The 2009 Perseid peak of activity is expected on August 12th at around 15.00 hours UT (15.00 GMT), but you should look before and after this time, when it’s clear and dark in your location.
The shower is not a point-in-time single event – meteors can be observed in the days before and after the peak.
Q2. In which direction should I look?
A2. Meteors can appear anywhere in our sky, so try to cover as much of it as possible, to increase you or your group’s chance of seeing some. This applies wherever you are located on planet Earth.
Hope that helps,
Kevin
Hi Kevin. This really is a lovely set of postings. I don’t know specifics to help folks who are inquiring about when and where to look but I’ve been tempted to reply to check number 45 in the older posts. I’m surprised that you still have the patience for us and are not just replying to our queeries about “where” and “when” with the answer “in the sky when it’s dark!” I hope you are rewarded for all this work by seeing some truly spectacular moments this year. Thanks again.
Is it possible to see the shower in the Middle East and if so what is the best date to do so?
Which direction in the sky would I look from in Central Europe (Switzerland)?
Thanks Kevin!
Hi
I m 17 year old a – levels student living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia .Its a north western city pretty near the equater with coast facing the Red sea.The sky here is excellently dark to see stars .I m excited to see the showers but I dont know wat the best time to catch them in my region .I usually get up for prayer at 4:50 am and watch the beautiful twilight which happens around 5:30 .Can anybody plz tell me the best time to see the meteor showers and can they appear in my place ?
THANx
Salman Mahmood
Hi everyone, I was just wondering if the meteor shower can be seen in Asia, particularly in the Philippines as it is now 1250a.m. Aug. 12. Will it also be at the northeasterly direction as to where I should watch them? Please advise.
Thanks,
Obl
Hi, I’m a little confused. What date and time can you see the Perseids shower in Washington, the Pacific time? I’ve just sort of had that question for a while.
Did Ivar who posted on July 18th from Trinidad & Tobago get a reply – I can’t see one and it’s worrying me!
Thanks for pointing it out, Julia. Replied now!
I just saw a HUGE meteor. Probably the biggest I’ll ever see. The fireball looked about half the size of the moon. Headed west/northwest from New Orleans.
Kevin,
Thanks for your website. I have trolled the internet and yours is by far the most informative and helpful … and your feedback is clearly appreciated by all.
I am in the Canary Islands (away from the bright lights) and will be looking up on the 12th …
Cheers
Watch now for Meteors and spotted 4, 2 from the west and 2 from Perseus, the Moon is very bright and is drowning the sky with light!
On Friday night, 7th August, me and my partner saw a massive meteor coming down towards Earth over Milton Keynes, it was a massove fireball which we saw come down from the size of a star through to been a 1/4 size of the moon and then break up into small pieces and burn out. It was amazing!
Thank you so much, Kevin, for your confirmation that the Perseid meteor activity occurs over a range of dates. I can’t possibly be up late Aug 11-12 but will be at my farm Aug 13-14, 100 miles away from Houston’s major light pollution, and can stay up all night. You give me hope that even with the moon and post-peak date, I just might see a few “left overs”.
I love to catch the Perseids whenever possible. I have such great family memories of laying out on blankets scanning the skies. Last year I took a friend out to see them. He had never even witnessed a “shooting star” before. He saw the first one (that I missed), and we weren’t able to catch many due to conditions, but there was one spectacular one that I knew made it all worthwhile. As I was overcome with awe at the site, I heard him gasp! An absolutely incredible night up on a nice dark hilltop – and no worries about a policeman coming along to spoil our fun. LOL
I can’t wait to see what this year’s event will bring me.
P.S. I always try to remember a comfy blanket, bug spray, snacks & beverages, and if I’m bringing any books with me – a flashlight covered in red cellophane to help prevent disruption of night vision as much as possible (better however just to relax and enjoy). I really love the suggestion of an umbrella to help block out the light from the moon or other disruptive items. That is now added to my essentials list. Thank you for such an excellent source of help and encouragement.
P.P.S. Sorry for the extremely long post. Please feel free to edit it, or delete it, as you like.
A group of us while camping this weekend near Beedale in the Yorkshire Dales witnissed what looked liked a fireball in the sky. This crossed the clear sky just before midnight on 7/8/09 and seemed to change direction. One of the group said it was a satellite but I wasn’t convinced. Also saw it again on the 8/8/09 at a similar time taking the same route.
Kevin,
The National Trust have organised a walk to see the Perseid Shower in my area, up a local hill on the evening of Thursday 13th August, but after reading this, I think we might be better going on our own Wednesday 12th, or even Tuesday 11th – what do you think?
Thanks
Kate
Hi Kate,
As above, observe whenever it’s dark and clear with you. The later this month, the more past the Perseid peak activity we will be, but the bigger the dark-ish window between the Sun setting and the Moon rising. However, 15-16th is probably about the latest for high meteor activity.
Best of luck,
Kevin
I found this article really useful, so thanks.
I am quite happy. I have only been looking at the sky for about 20 minutes at a time every hour or so and I have seen 3 meteors. What made me happier was the fact that I managed to see them even though the moon is out and I am looking out my bedroom window where there is a lot of light pollution.
Thanks so much, Alys!
I’ve been away for a couple of days and have not replied to everyone. But your comment shows, you just need to Look Up when it’s darkish and clear.
All the best
Kevin
Hi
Am wondering if you can help, I live in the North East of Scotland, what is the best time to see the Perseid? Really want to try and watch it with my 2 children.
Hi Kirsty,
The simple answer is “when it’s dark and clear” at your location, but it’s tricky this Perseids time.
I’ve just checked outside here (latitude 50deg North) and it’s only just getting dark at 22.30 BST (probably later with you), BUT the big bright Moon is already appearing above the Eastern horizon.
So take your chances to observe, when you can. Best of luck.
K
You’re welcome!
I have now seen about 7 meteors in the space of 24 hours, give or a take a few. I think I am doing quite well for an amatuer 14 year old.
I will probably move somewhere darker around the peak, but I don’t really see the point at the moment as there aren’t many about.
*amateur
I live in the central time zone(Oklahoma). What is the best time to observe this shower?
Thanks! Joe
hi sir…i want to ask dat we are taking dis shower frm india….by radio as well as visual…Sir wat is the exact date 4 peak….we have taken back to last year by radio n again we want to take it…can u help me sir?
hi kevin,
i wanna ask that whether if people living in south east asia could see this meteor shower?
especially like malaysia?
Hello! I too have my birthday on August 12, and the past few years I’ve tried getting together a meteor watching birthday party but it’s been cloudy!
My question is however, weather permitting–what would be the best time to settle and watch the shower in Nebraska?
Thanks again!
Miranda
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for all the information. I am not knowledgeable in the area of watching meteor showers, so I wanted to ask a question. Would I be able to see the Perseid shower if I am in Monroe, Louisiana?
I will be watching with my children who are 10 and 11 so I want to make sure I have us looking in the proper direction. Can you tell me what direction to watch or if we will even be able to see the shower from our area?
Thanks,
Jeanice
Monroe, LA
Hi Jeanice,
You should be able to, if you can get some dark clear sky and bright Moon permitting. Meteors can really appear anywhere in the sky, so you just have to keep your eyes open for streaks of light! Best of luck. Thanks.
Hi All,
I really enjoy meteor showers even though i normally spend my time in front of a laptop taking images from inside my observatory. its also great fun printing off a starmap and plotting where you saw the meteor and at the end of the night try to find the radiant. you may also note some meteors that do not delong to this shower but come from others that are active at that time. Best of all its a great way to learn some of the stras and constellations
great site and nice to see people getting out there for the first time and enjoying the night sky
ian Knight
Norfolk UK
Hi! We have organised a trip to the countryside in Kent, England to watch the meteor shower, there will be a huge group of us.
We are aiming to be out from 9pm until midnight, are we likely to see something, or would we need to stay out into Thursday morning?
Also do you have to look northeast, or can you see the showers anywhere in the sky?
Thanks for all the tips so far!!
Charlotte, 17, Kent
Hi Charlotte,
It’s all a bit unpredictable, particularly with the rather bright Moon this year. All I can say is have fun and best of luck! Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but trails appear to trace back to the North East region of the sky. Thanks.
Thanks for your swift reply. I will report back when we do return, and just to be on the safeside we are going to stay out until about 2.30am on the Thursday morning!!
Charlotte, I live in Kent and every year I’ve seen a great Perseid display. If you’re in an area with low light pollution and once youre eyes have adjusted to the dark you will see them. Get your group to chose a part of the sky each so you dont miss any and after a while you will get an idea of where they are coming from and spot each one. One issue we have in the UK with our fantastic “summer” is cloud cover.
Hi Darren,
Thanks very much for contributing. I’m away from home for a couple of days, so I do appreciate it!
Kevin
Thanks for your advice Darren, we will take it and hopefully see some results. We are choosing as remote a place as possible without going too deep into the country as we have a range of ages from 11-43 so we want to keep safe!!
Hopefully it will be a clear night!!
At around 2:00am August 3, 2009 my wife and I were driving home in a northern dirrection from the drive in and saw an object break through the atmosphere and become a giant fireball. The huge ball of fire turned into a glowing light which faded into the sky as it traveled in a north eastern direction in. The whole event took no longer then 3 maybe 4 seconds. Can you help me shed some light on this event.
Shawn, Sounds like a fireball! Well done. Check the comment above for links to the two meteor society sites. Thanks.
We saw an unbelievably bright meteor last night, just before complete darkness set in, and right under the very bright moon – the meteor was HUGE, and there were green and pink lights in it. We were in the Elizabeth Islands off Cape Cod with no city lights anywhere near us – breathtaking!
Hi Ellen,
It sounds like you saw a FIREBALL. This is an especially bright meteor (technically, those brighter than Magnitude -3).
UK sightings can be reported to the SPA Meteor section. USA sightings to the American Meteor Society
Well done!
Hi Kevin, this is all really fascinating. I’m going to be in a very remote area, approx 170km south of Uluru Australia from 17-21 August. Do you think I might stand a chance of seeing anything or will it be too late? Thanks. Angela.
Hi Angela, My pleasure! It’s worth looking then, although it’s past the peak.
Re Australia viewing, see John’s reply to Comment #5 above.
Best of luck.
What time will I be able to see it in the UK, in Kent? Which way should I look? Will I be able to see it in a wooded valley?
Hi Fionn
Just look on any clear night from now on. Look to the North, mainly. As long as you can see clear night sky, you may be lucky. Let us know.
Thanks
Kevin
Thank you, I’m sure I’ll see some.
Im from California will it be better to see the showers from the beach?
Hi Michelle,
Should be helpful, if there’s a lot of sky visible to you. I would suggest somewhere with as much Northwards view of the sky, as possible. Thanks.
Hey!
I look forward to the meteor shower every year, the 12th is my birthday! it’s a tradition to look out for them now! =) the best I’ve seen was in 2002 on my eighteenth birthday!
MY BIRTHDAY TOO! (11th)
Happy Birthday for next week, to you both!
I hope you see some memorable streaks of light across the Night Sky!
Hi,
I will be in Thailand from the 11th to the 15th. Will we be able to see the shower well from there?
Hi Chelsey,
Have fun in Thailand. You should be able to, but from my (very limited) experience of South East Asia, the skies are quite humid and misty.
So best of luck,
Kevin
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Thanks will be om the look out.
The family usually catch it every year if its not cloudy. We are usually abroad and the skies are clear its great fun keep the children up, get a blanket and lie on the lawn somewhere with as litle light polution as possible.
Hi Rebecca, I wish you and your family, the best of luck with your “connection with the Universe” this year. Thanks, Kevin
Question for my son…..he is stationed in Iraq.
Can the shower be seen from there? and if so, what would be the time frame?
Hi,
Same thoughts as above really, have a look when it’s dark where he is and ideally, before the Moon comes up. At his latitude, the radiant point (the apparent origin, see above) will not be visible, but it’s still worth looking.
Hi i live in the western hemisphere so it will be daylight when there is the meteor shower can i still see it and what time PLEASE REPLY
Hi, The peak is expected at 15:00 UT (GMT), which is daytime in Europe. Further West, it might be dark then? (depending on where you are) So worth a good look when it’s dark, where you are.
Best of luck.
The showers this year coincide with the beginning of Netrootsnation convention in Pittsburgh. I will alert them.
Hi
I am taking part in a bushcraft course for kids aged 8-12 on 11th August, as a storyteller. We will be in the UK, camping in a national park with very little light pollution. I am thinking of telling some stories about stars around the campfire and then taking the kids out to look for shooting stars. Accepting that we’ll need a clear sky, what are the chances of them seeing one or two if they look for around 15 minutes at around 9pm BST (8pm GMT)?
Thanks
Hi,
It’s certainly worth a look. However, it won’t get fully dark until about 22.00 BST at London latitude and 22.40 at Edinburgh latitude. Although the Moon should be not be up then – that’s in your favour, so best of luck.
Thanks. We’ll be on Dartmoor, so at the better end of time re darkness. Fingers crossed for a bit of magic then
Hi
I have been reading the posts with interest. I haven’t seen the shower before and I would like to see it with my family. I am in South East of UK and just wanted to know weather it is better viewed on the Tues or Wed Here? Also i notice that in one of your posts you said that it peaks at 1500 hrs in the western hempisphere – Does this mean that we wouldn’t see much at night? Your opinion what time in the South of the UK would be best to see it – can you also confirm – we need to be looking North East. We are very keen to see this at its best and really appeciate your help. Many thanks.
HI i am rely now starting to love meteors but i have never seen one i love the info on this site and i will be watching for the meteor shower august but i have one problem please HELP!!!
i live in trinidad and tobago in the caribean,that is the west indian sky or whatever i really dont know will i be able to see the meteors
HI Ivar,
Sorry for the slow response! You should be able to, if you can find some clear and dark sky. Best of luck! Please let us know.
Hi,
Im kinda new to this but i want to try to catch it with my daughter. So would the best time to view it in florida be early morning as well? And should we be looking Northeast?
Thanks for your help.
Hi John,
Yes, take a look towards the North East and you may see some meteors. As mentioned, the problem this year is the bright Moon nearby. You may have better luck during the window after the Sun sets and before the Moon rises.
Best of luck!
I saw a meteor in that general are of the sky NE last night(July13th) around 11pmEST. May this have been an early meteor? It was only just one, Although i went inside after i saw it.
Chris
Hi Chris,
Might have been, although July 23rd is given as the normal earliest date for Perseid meteors.
Meteors do appear throughout the year – it’s just the ZHR (rate per hour), that marks-out the named showers as something special.
Keep looking and please report back here!
cheers
Kevin
Hello – appreciate the great info on the site. I am going camping Aug 18 and am wondering if we can expect any residual effect from the Perseids shower at that time? We will be up in the Sierras at very high elevation – we normally can see some meteor activity, I am just wondering if this shower peaking a week earlier will add to that,
Thanks
Hi Jeff,
You might be lucky and I do envy you up in the mountains!
Unfortunately though, this year the Perseid peak ZHR, coincides with that bright waning Moon. Meteors or not however, I’m sure you will have something interesting to observe. Have fun.
All the best
Kevin
Is it possible to see the perseid shower in the southern hemisphere? I live in melbourne, Australia and I would love to see them.
Would the same times still apply?
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m not really sure, to be honest (I’ve not been to the Southern hemisphere, ever!).
You will not be able to see the radiant point (the apparent origin of the shower), because it will be too far North for you. But meteors can be visible anywhere in our sky, so it will be well worth taking a good look either side of August 12th.
And most celestial events happen at similar local time, wherever you are in the World.
Best of luck
Kevin
I can assure you, the Perceids is very visible from australia (im in Albury, NSW) and have been
treated to some truely spectacular august nights thanks to the perceids. the best thus far, 2005, but all of them are fantastic.
just remember…you need to get yourself to the darkest out of the way place as possible from the melbourne lights, i was down there in 2007 and could barely see the spectacle.
Hi John, is it possible you could give me some actual times for here in Ballarat? thanx Andrew
can anyone tell me what night or at what time of night i can view in NSW.
thanks
Hey buddy I now that area well, my Fiance is from Ararat. they are saying best time here is actually during the day for us, so say 2pm BST, think that would about about midnight there for you give or take an hour!
If it makes a difference – which I suppose logically it should not – I am in the EST zone
Hi Tyler,
Thanks for asking. It’s worth looking in the DAYS before and after the peak. Meteors should start to be visible from the end of July.
In fact this year, the position of the Moon will be less than favourable around the expected peak, so you may have better luck earlier.
Would earlier not be worse?
The full moon is on the 6th of August.
The idea I have in mind is to visit a national dark sky park (for the first time) on the best viewing day for the shower. Alternatively I’m thinking of going on the night of the new moon, the 20th – since the timing is so bad for this one.
You are correct about the full Moon. This Perseids this year are unfavorable.
The normal limits are given as 23 July – 20 Aug and with the full Moon on 6 Aug, it will probably need to be very early or late, but it’s worth looking anyway – just don’t expect too much this time.
Thank you again for the information, Kevin!
I think I’ll plan on an August 20th trip.
I’m a bit confused.
If one wished to see the peak of the meteor shower without having to get up in the godless early hours before the dawn, is on best served watching the skies the night of the 11th or the night of the 12th?
You say “Watch for them on Tuesday Aug 12th…” Tuesday is the 11th!
Hi Wayne,
Thanks very much for the comment. I have updated this article for 2009! (it was written last year)
All the best
Kevin
Aug 12 is wednesday. The shower is best viewed before dawn on wed the 12th but you can expect some meteors on tuesday night as well.
im deployed in souther Iraq will i be able to see this?
Yeahh, Because There Are Clearer Skies
Oh wow hehe lol >>>LOL<<< im learning about it cuz im way to young hehe