The Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on the night of August 12 and the early hours of August 13, 2023.

This year, the viewing conditions will be favorable as the moon will only be 10% illuminated. NASA predicts that during the peak, skywatchers can anticipate seeing up to 100 meteors per hour on average.

The mornings of August 12, and 13 are typically when we would advise you to view the Perseids' peak. Keep in mind that this shower typically builds to a peak gradually before dropping off quickly after the peak. Peak predicted for August 13, 2023, at 7:58 UTC.

The annual Perseid meteor shower is one of the most beloved meteor showers of the year, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, where the shower peaks on warm summer nights. No matter where you live worldwide, the 2023 Perseid meteor shower will probably produce the greatest number of meteors on the mornings of August 12 and 13.

Mark your calendar for the peak of the Perseid meteor shower in 2023! The moon will be a waning crescent and only 10% illuminated during this event, creating optimal conditions for viewing. The shower gradually rises to its peak and quickly tapers off, with the best viewing times occurring in the late hours of the night and early morning before dawn. While the moon will be in the morning sky from early to mid-August, it will become fainter each day leading up to the peak.

Duration of the shower: July 14 to September 1

Radiant: The radiant point of the meteor shower rises in the middle of the night and reaches its highest point at dawn.

Nearest moon phase: A new moon is expected at 9:38 UTC on August 16. During the Perseid's peak in 2023, a waning crescent moon will be visible, but its faint glow won't interfere with meteor watching. In fact, it might even enhance the experience as you watch for both the Perseids and the Delta Aquariids.

Expected meteors at peak, under ideal conditions: Skywatchers in areas with a dark sky and no moonlight have reported seeing up to 90 meteors per hour during the Perseid meteor shower. Luckily, the waning crescent moon in 2023 won't obstruct the view of the meteor shower.

Bonus: The August Perseid meteor shower is known for its rich and consistent display from early August through the peak. These meteors are not only colorful but also leave behind glowing persistent trains, making the Perseid shower a favorite among Northern Hemisphere viewers.

Also remember, the the Delta Aquariid meteor shower is still rambling along steadily. You’ll see mostly Perseids, but also some Delta Aquariids in the mix. 

In the Northern Hemisphere, we rank the August Perseids as an all-time favorite meteor shower of every year. For us, this major shower takes place during the lazy, hazy days of summer, when many families are on vacation. And what could be more luxurious than taking a siesta in the heat of the day and watching this summertime classic in the relative coolness of night?

What causes the Perseids?

Comet Swift-Tuttle is the largest object known to repeatedly pass by Earth; its nucleus is about 16 miles (26 kilometers) wide. It last passed nearby Earth during its orbit around the sun in 1992, and the next time will be in 2126. But it won't be forgotten in the meantime, because Earth passes through the dust and debris it leaves behind every year, creating the annual Perseid meteor shower.

When you sit back to watch a meteor shower, you're actually seeing the pieces of comet debris heat up as they enter the atmosphere and burn up in a bright burst of light, streaking a vivid path across the sky as they travel at 37 miles (59 km) per second. When they're in space, the pieces of debris are called "meteoroids," but when they reach Earth's atmosphere, they're designated as "meteors." If a piece makes it all the way down to Earth without burning up, it graduates to "meteorite." Most of the meteors in the Perseids are much too small for that; they're about the size of a grain of sand.

What do you need to see them?

The key to seeing a meteor shower is "to take in as much sky as possible," Cooke said. Go to a dark area, in the suburbs or countryside, and prepare to sit outside for a few hours. It takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, and the longer you wait outside, the more you'll see. A rate of 60-70 meteors per hour, for instance, means around one meteor per minute, including faint streaks along with bright, fireball-generating ones.

Some skywatchers plan to camp out to see the Perseid meteor shower, but at the very least, viewers should bring something comfortable to sit on, some snacks and some bug spray. Then, just relax and look upward for the celestial show.

Meteor showers are named after the constellation from which they appear to originate. In this case, it's the constellation Perseus, which is located at latitudes between +90 degrees and -35 degrees and is named after the hero from mythology who killed Medusa.

How to Wish upon a Shooting Star?

1. Close you eyes and Relax
2. Meditate on things you Wish to have.
3. Now focus to things that your heart desire the most. Things that set you on Fire!
4. Narrow down your wishes to only one, your most important wish.
5. Stay focused on your Wish. Live it as it already happened!
6. Open your eyes and wait for the Shooting star. Once you see it Re-Live it one more time quickly!
7. Thank the Divine Forces that helped you!

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