The Perseids are an August shower associated with comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Their radiant lies in Perseus, making them a more accessible target from many northern latitudes than from the far south.
Attach the date to a place
Use the current year's peak prediction, then check the radiant's height during your available dark hours. A popular date does not guarantee that the Moon is absent or that the peak occurs during local night. High-latitude summer twilight can also limit the darkest part of a watch.
Choose an open, lawful observing spot and look across a broad section of sky. A reclining seat can make a longer watch easier. Keep lights dim and record interruptions if you count.
Rates vary during a session, and meteors unrelated to the shower can appear too. A few bright paths can make an enjoyable watch without matching an advertised ideal rate. Check access before travelling to a crowded viewpoint and keep a quieter backup site or a short session from home if conditions change.
Year-specific planning dates
No upcoming year-specific date for this shower has been reviewed in this selective calendar. Check the current source prediction before planning a dedicated watch.
Sources and review
Reviewed October 22, 2026 by PiSpace Sky editorial. Date-sensitive details can change.