The annual Perseid meteor shower has commenced, promising a celestial spectacle for skygazers across the UK over the next five weeks. Recognised as one of the most brilliant and active meteor showers of the year, the display occurs as Earth navigates through the cosmic debris left by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
Originating from the constellation of Perseus, the shower began on 17 July and is set to continue until 24 August 2026. The most impressive viewing opportunities are expected during its peak, which will take place overnight on 12-13 August 2026. This timing is particularly fortuitous, as it coincides with a new Moon, ensuring darker skies and enhancing the visibility of the meteors, provided weather conditions are favourable.
Meteor showers are a phenomenon where dust particles, typically no larger than a grain of sand, enter Earth's atmosphere and vaporise, creating luminous streaks of light. The Perseids are renowned for their high activity, with the potential for up to 150 meteors per hour during the peak. Observers may also be treated to exceptionally bright 'fireball' meteors, a hallmark of this particular shower.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse, no specialised equipment like binoculars or telescopes is required. The best viewing conditions involve finding a location with dark, clear skies and an unobstructed view, ideally away from urban light pollution. Stargazers are advised to allow their eyes up to 15 minutes to adjust to the low light levels for optimal viewing.
Initial forecasts for the current weekend suggest favourable conditions inland and in western parts of the UK, where skies are expected to remain dry with only patchy cloud. However, northern Scotland and eastern coastal areas may experience reduced visibility due to a northerly wind drawing in more North Sea cloud. Saturday night is predicted to offer largely clear skies for the first half of the night across much of the country, with some isolated fog patches in the Midlands, south-west England, and northern/eastern Scotland. Sunday night is expected to present similar conditions, with clearer skies further south.