This night you can watch the largest meteor shower: The Perseids meteor shower of 2025
17 July 01:35
On the night of August 16-17, residents of Ukraine will have a unique opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena – the Perseid meteor shower, also known as the Perseid meteor shower. This is reported by the scientific publication Live Science, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
This meteor shower will last until August 23, with the most active nights on August 12 and 13. It is then that up to 100 “shooting stars” can be seen per hour.
What are the Perseids?
The Perseids are a meteor shower that occurs when the Earth passes through a plume of dust and debris left by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Tiny particles enter the atmosphere at a speed of up to 60 km/s and burn up, forming bright streaks of light in the sky.
The stream got its name from the constellation Perseus, because it is from its direction that meteors “fly out” in the sky.
When to look at the sky
Thebeginning of theactivity is the night of July 17
Peak activity – August 12-13
End of activity – August 23
This year’s observation will be somewhat more difficult: the almost full Moon, which will rise on August 9, will illuminate up to 84% of the night sky, which will reduce the visibility of fainter meteors.
But the good news is that the so-called “dark window” will last from July 18 to 28, a period with minimal moonlight, when the conditions for observing will be much better.
After August 13, the activity of the stream will begin to decline. However, on August 16, the Moon will again move to the last quarter, and its light will gradually cease to interfere. At this time, you can still see single bright meteors, especially on cloudless nights.
How to see the Perseids
Choose a place away from city lights – ideally a field, cottage, hill or roof.
No need for telescopes – meteors are visible to the naked eye.
Turn off flashlights and phones – it takes up to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Lie down or sit with an open view of the sky and enjoy!
Most meteors are visible in the direction of the constellation Perseus – in the northeast.
How to take a picture?
If you want to shoot a meteor shower:
- Use a camera with a slow shutter speed
- Set up a tripod
- Take a lot of pictures in a row and you will definitely be lucky!
Interesting facts about the Perseids:
- The speed of meteors is 60 km/s
- They look like bright white or yellowish streaks
- Sometimes leave traces that are visible for several seconds
- Most often occur at night and at dawn
Even if the Moon spoils the show a bit, it’s worth seeing this cosmic phenomenon with your own eyes at least once in your life. Moreover, the Perseids are one of the most reliable starfalls of the year that never fails to deliver.
