tech
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
August 11, 2026 / 10:05 AM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- The Perseid meteor shower is peaking on August 12 and 13.
- It is considered the best meteor shower of the year, with up to 100 meteors per hour.
- Meteors are swift, bright, and leave long trails of light.
- The best viewing time is during predawn hours on August 13, or from 10 p.m. on August 12.
- The new moon phase will provide optimal viewing conditions with no moonlight interference.
- To see the meteors, go to a dark location away from city lights.
- Allow 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
- The Perseids originate from debris left by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.