The annual Perseids meteor shower is possibly the one most eagerly anticipated by astronomers. For several years they have resulted in a great show with dozens of bright meteors being spotted every hour around the peak of their activity. They are reliable and make for a great excuse to get out under the starry skies, perhaps as a stargazing break to a dark sky site away from light pollution!
What causes the Perseid meteor shower?
Each year as the Earth travels on its orbit around the Sun; it encounters a vast swathe of cosmic dust left over by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As these tiny dust particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at a great speed, they burn up, leaving a brief but bright trail — a shooting star!
How to see Perseid meteors
To see Perseid meteors, try and find a location away from light pollution with clear views in all directions. Rather than looking in any one direction, use your peripheral vision to scan the skies for shooting stars — when you see one, your eyes will be naturally drawn towards it. You don’t need a telescope or binoculars, just your eyes!
Why is it called the Perseid meteor shower?
Meteor showers are named after the constellation they appear to radiate from. Perseids meteors appear to radiate from the constellation of Perseus, hence their name.
When is the best time to see Perseid meteors?
The best time to see the Perseids is when they reach their peak on the night of August 12th / morning of August 13th each year, when up to 80 meteors per hour may be seen from a dark sky location on a Moonless Night. Several nights before and after are also excellent opportunities to see them!
The peak of activity occurs in the early morning hours as the Earth rotates towards the dust cloud that causes them. More meteors will be seen if the meteor shower takes place around a New Moon when the skies are at their darkest.
Where are the best places to see the Perseid meteor shower in the UK?
The best places to see the Perseid meteor shower are at dark sky locations away from light pollution. This is especially the case if the meteor shower occurs during a new Moon period when there is no bright Moon in the sky.
Try to find a location with clear, unobstructed views in most directions, including towards the horizons and directly above. Getting a car hire so that you have the freedom to drive outside the city to one of the observation points would be a great idea, but if you cannot get to a dark sky site, they are still worth looking out for, as even the brighter meteors can be seen from light-polluted areas
For ideas of where to go see our location map or check our light pollution map to find your own best locations.
Are there any organised events to see the Perseid meteor shower?
Many astronomy clubs, societies and observatories host public observing events where people can view the Perseids with friendly, experienced astronomers. Independent venues are also known to host events, perhaps as a charity fundraiser combined with a BBQ or sleepover.
Our events map is continually updated on the run-up to the peak of the meteor shower, do check back regularly!
Public events for the Perseids meteor shower
-
Stargazing, Mindfulness, Forest Bathing retreat with Mark Westmoquette
Sunday 7th August 2022 from 12:00pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 12:00pm
Loural Eco-Village, Gois, 3330-072
More info
-
Solar experiences at Penllergare with Dark Sky Wales
Wednesday 10th August 2022 from 11:00am to 16:00pm
Penllergare Valley Woods, Swansea, SA4 9GS
More info
-
Pigs and Perseids 2022
Wednesday 10th August 2022 from 18:00pm to 22:30pm
Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary, Bletchley, MK17 0BH
More info
-
Blackpool & District Astronomical Society Meeting
Wednesday 10th August 2022 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Blackpool Cricket Club, Blackpool, FY3 9EQ
More info
-
Summer Skies Stargazing at Twice Brewed Observatory
Wednesday 10th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
-
Solar experiences at Penllergare with Dark Sky Wales
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 11:00am to 16:00pm
Penllergare Valley Woods, Swansea, SA4 9GS
More info
-
Solar Observing at Northumberland Park
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 12:00pm to 15:00pm
Northumberland Park - North Shields, North Shields, NE30 2ES
More info
-
Community open night at Bayfordbury Observatory
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Bayfordbury Observatory, Bayfordbury, SG13 8LD
More info
-
Cygnus Observatory public open evening
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Cygnus Observatory at Washington Wetland Centre, Washington, NE38 8LE
More info
-
Norman Lockyer Observatory Perseid Meteor Watch
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 19:15pm to 21:15pm
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, EX10 0NY
More info
-
Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society Meeting
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 19:45pm to 22:00pm
Swinton Bottom Club, Swinton, S64 8AU
More info
-
Loughton Astronomical Society meeting & observing
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Theydon Bois Scout Hall, Epping, CM16 7EJ
More info
-
Heart of England Astronomical Society meeting
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
The Old Telephone Exchange - Furnace End, Birmingham, B46 2LL
More info
-
See the Perseids with Baker Street Irregular Astronomers
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Primrose Hill - London, London, NW1 4RY
More info
-
Summer Skies Stargazing at Twice Brewed Observatory
Thursday 11th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
-
Rosse Observatory picnic and Perseids
Friday 12th August 2022 from 10:00am to Saturday 13th August 2022 00:30am
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
-
Observing with Melton and District Astronomical Society
Friday 12th August 2022 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Gaddesby Village Hall, Melton Mowbray, LE7 4WF
More info
-
Ewell Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 12th August 2022 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Nonsuch High School and Observatory, Cheam, SM3 8AB
More info
-
Perseids meteor shower and nocturnal wildlife guided walk
Friday 12th August 2022 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Petworth House and Park, Midhurst, GU28 9LR
More info
-
Stargazing evening at the Observatory Science Centre
Friday 12th August 2022 from 20:00pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 00:30am
The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
More info
-
Peek at the Perseids with SW London Stargazers
Friday 12th August 2022 from 20:30pm to 22:30pm
Rose and Crown - Tooting Bec Road, London, SW17 8BH
More info
-
Perseid Meteor Shower and Stargazing at Green Park
Friday 12th August 2022 from 21:00pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 04:00am
Green Park - London, London, W1J 9DZ
More info
-
Perseids Meteors at Durlston Astronomy Centre
Friday 12th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Durlston Astronomy Centre and Observatory, Swanage, BH19 2JL
More info
-
See the Perseids with Croydon Astronomical Society
Friday 12th August 2022 from 21:00pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 03:00am
Norman Fisher Observatory at Kenley, Kenley, CR8 5EP
More info
-
Summer Skies Stargazing at Twice Brewed Observatory
Friday 12th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
-
Observe the Perseids with Bridgend Astronomical Society
Friday 12th August 2022 from 21:30pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 01:30am
Bridgend and District Model Railway, Aberkenfig, CF32 0EH
More info
-
See the Perseids at Toothill Observatory
Friday 12th August 2022 from 21:30pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 00:30am
Toothill Observatory, Southampton, SO16 8AL
More info
-
Perseids with Newcastle Astronomical Society
Friday 12th August 2022 from 22:00pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 02:00am
Walltown Country Park, Greenhead, CA8 7HF
More info
-
See the Perseids with the Bath Astronomers
Friday 12th August 2022 from 22:00pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 02:00am
Lansdown Park & Ride, Bath, BA1 9BJ
More info
-
Perseid Meteor Shower and Twilight River Stroll
Friday 12th August 2022 from 22:30pm to Saturday 13th August 2022 00:00am
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH
More info
-
Solar Observing at Wells Cathedral Green
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 11:00am to 17:00pm
Wells Cathedral, Wells, BA5 2UE
More info
-
Whitby Regatta 2022 Solar Observing
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 13:00pm to 16:00pm
West Cliff - Whitby, Whitby, YO21 3HT
More info
-
South East Kent Astronomical Society meeting
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Alkham Village Hall, Alkham, CT15 7AR
More info
-
Green Space Dark Skies – Cairngorms National Park
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Glenlivet Blairfindy, Ballindalloch, AB37 9DJ
More info
-
Perseid Meteor Watch with Shropshire Astronomical Society
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 20:00pm to Sunday 14th August 2022 01:00am
Rodington Village Hall, Shrewsbury, SY4 4QS
More info
-
Perseids meteor shower and nocturnal wildlife guided walk
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Petworth House and Park, Midhurst, GU28 9LR
More info
-
Flamsteed Observatory Open Evening
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 20:30pm to 22:30pm
Flamsteed Observatory, Derby, DE6 3BY
More info
-
Perseids Meteors at Durlston Astronomy Centre
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Durlston Astronomy Centre and Observatory, Swanage, BH19 2JL
More info
-
Summer Highlights and Perseids at Wembury
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 21:00pm to Sunday 14th August 2022 00:00am
Wembury Beach Car Park, Plymouth, PL9 0HP
More info
-
Summer Skies Stargazing at Twice Brewed Observatory
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
-
Whitby Regatta 2022 Star Party
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
West Cliff - Whitby, Whitby, YO21 3HT
More info
-
Perseids Shooting Stars at the Observatory Science Centre
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 21:30pm to Sunday 14th August 2022 00:30am
The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
More info
-
Ben Nevis Sunrise Experience with Large Outdoors
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 22:00pm to 06:00am
Ben Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6SQ
More info
-
Snowdon Sunrise Guided Walk with Large Outdoors
Saturday 13th August 2022 from 22:00pm to 06:00am
Snowdon, Caernarfon, LL55 4UL
More info
-
Solar Sunday with Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society
Sunday 14th August 2022 from 11:00am to 15:00pm
RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor, Barnsley, S73 0YF
More info
-
Whitby Regatta 2022 Solar Observing
Sunday 14th August 2022 from 13:00pm to 16:00pm
West Cliff - Whitby, Whitby, YO21 3HT
More info
-
Cygnus Observatory public open evening
Sunday 14th August 2022 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Cygnus Observatory at Washington Wetland Centre, Washington, NE38 8LE
More info
-
Summer Skies Stargazing at Twice Brewed Observatory
Sunday 14th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
-
Whitby Regatta 2022 Star Party
Sunday 14th August 2022 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
West Cliff - Whitby, Whitby, YO21 3HT
More info
-
Snowdon Sunrise Guided Walk with Large Outdoors
Sunday 14th August 2022 from 22:00pm to 06:00am
Snowdon, Caernarfon, LL55 4UL
More info