Perseids in 2025: when and where to see a meteor shower

In August 2025, the Perseid meteor shower once again attracted the attention of astronomers and fans of stellar observations. Peak activity is expected on the night of August 14th, when bright meteors will light up the sky. Each year, the Perseids remain one of the most popular meteor showers for astronomy enthusiasts to observe. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

What are the Perseids?

The Perseid meteor shower in 2025 reached its peak activity on August 13 and will remain in it until the morning of the 14th. This is one of the brightest and most anticipated celestial phenomena of the year, attracting thousands of observers every year.

The Perseid meteor shower always happens in August. It occurs when the Earth passes through a cloud of dust particles left by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. These particles, entering the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of about 60 km/s, burn up, creating bright flashes that we perceive as "shooting stars".

The stream's name comes from the constellation Perseus, from which meteors are believed to originate. The Perseids are known for their high activity and bright meteor bolides, whose brightness is comparable to the stars. The Perseids have been known to mankind since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, they were called the "tears of St. Lawrence", as the peak of the stream fell on August 10— the saint's memorial day.

The Perseids have long been a symbol of hope and inspiration, and for many people, watching this starfall has become an annual tradition. In various cultures, meteors have been associated with desires and hopes, and many still believe that seeing a meteor fulfills a wish.

When and where to watch

The Perseids are active every summer in mid-August. In 2025, it is expected to be possible to see up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This is a great opportunity for all astronomy enthusiasts to enjoy the spectacular spectacle.

In order to enjoy the spectacle, you need to choose a place away from artificial lighting that prevents you from seeing the stars. Rural areas or mountainous areas are an ideal location, as there is less light pollution. The further away from the city, the better.

Meteors will appear all over the sky, so you don't need to focus on one area. It is recommended to lie on your back and look up to see more meteors.

It is important to check the weather forecast in your region. Clear weather is the key to successful observation, however, in some regions of Russia, clouds are possible this night, which may hide some of the meteors.

Tips for observers

No special equipment is required to observe the Perseids. Meteors are visible to the naked eye, and all you need is a good location and a clear sky.

Under favorable conditions, you can see up to 100 meteors per hour, which corresponds to 1-2 "shooting stars" per minute.

For full-fledged observation, the eyes must get used to the darkness. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Try to avoid bright lights, do not look at the screens of phones or other electronic devices, so as not to lose this ability.

Take a blanket with you, which will be comfortable and warm to lie on the ground and look up at the sky. It is also worth taking warm clothes and a thermos with hot tea, as the night may be cool.

If you want to capture the Perseids in a photo, you will need a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 14 to 24 mm and a long shutter speed (at least 15 seconds). It will allow you to catch bright meteor trails, but the stars will not turn into stripes. Photographing meteors is not an easy task, it would be better to prepare in advance and read the recommendations, as well as arm yourself with a tripod.

If you have access to special astronomical applications for planning filming, use them to select the best times and locations for photographing.