The 2025 Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12 and early morning of August 13. Here is where and how you can best see it:
- Best locations: Mid-northern latitudes provide the best viewing since the shower's radiant (the point meteors appear to come from) in the constellation Perseus rises high in the sky there. Viewing is difficult in most parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Look for dark sky areas, away from city light pollution, such as countryside, parks, or mountains where the sky is clearer and higher above any haze or clouds.
- Where to look: Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but their paths trace back to Perseus, which is found in the northern sky. It is advised to look roughly halfway up your darkest portion of the sky rather than straight up or low on the horizon. Facing away from the radiant can offer longer-lasting meteor trails to enjoy.
- Timing: The best time to watch is during the pre-dawn hours of August 13 or from late evening on August 12. The radiant rises high around 10:30 PM local time in many mid-northern locations. Meteors can be seen as early as 10 PM but viewing is best near 12 midnight to 5:30 AM. Give your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust to the dark.
- Moonlight: In 2025, a bright waning gibbous moon will be present, which will reduce visibility of fainter meteors. Try to position yourself so any tall objects like trees or buildings block the moonlight for you.
- Additional tips: Bring a comfortable reclining chair or mat with head support, avoid bright lights or looking at screens, and make periodic short breaks to keep your eyes adjusted. Use astronomy apps like Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2 to locate the radiant and find the best times. The Perseids can produce bright fireballs and meteors with long glowing trains, promising a spectacular show if conditions are favorable.
In summary, the best place to see the Perseid meteor shower in 2025 is a dark, rural spot at mid-northern latitudes with a clear view to the northern sky around midnight on August 12-13, looking away from the moon for the least light interference.
