What Are the Perseids?
The Perseid meteor shower is a spectacular annual celestial event caused by Earth passing through debris from Comet 109P/Swift‑Tuttle. Active from mid‑July to late‑August, its peak occurs around August 12–13.
Timing & Visibility
The 2025 shower spans July 17–August 23, with peak nights on August 12–13—but nearly full “Sturgeon Moon” may wash out faint meteors. Still, expect bright fireballs at a typical zenith hourly rate (ZHR) of ~75–100 per hour in dark locations.
Best Viewing Windows
- **July 18–28**: Ideal, thanks to new‑moon phase (July 24) and dark skies.
- **Post‑peak Aug 16–26**: Meteor counts fall, but darker skies improve visibility.
UAE Viewing Spots
Prime locations include Al Qudra Desert, Jebel Jais, and Liwa dunes—offering minimal light pollution and wide open skies.
Skywatching Tips
- Go after midnight until dawn for highest activity.
- Bring a blanket/chair, warm clothing, snacks, and bug spray.
- Allow 30 minutes for dark adaptation; avoid phone screens.
- Lying flat with view toward northeast helps catch meteors from radiant in Perseus.
Fun Trivia & Origins
Named after the Perseus constellation, the shower is also known as the “tears of Saint Lawrence” (martyrdom celebrated August 10) in cultural lore. Meteor speeds: ~37 mi/sec (~59 km/sec); debris cloud stretches ~0.1 AU across. Comet Swift‑Tuttle, 16 mi wide, last passed in 1992 and returns ~2125.
Plan for 2025’s Perseids
Expect up to 75 bright meteors per hour under dark skies. Despite the moonlight, this remains one of the year’s most reliable “shooting star” shows. Great for trivia nights—did you know the Perseids have been observed since AD 36?
Source: Mashable Me