The annual Perseids meteor shower is possibly the 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!
The Perseid meteor shower of 2023 may well be spectacular! The event occurs when there is no bright Moon in the sky, making it possible to see fainter meteors and more streaks of light across the sky.
How to see Perseid meteors
To see Perseid meteors, find a location away from light pollution with clear, unobstructed views in all directions, including towards the horizons and directly above. Rather than looking at any specific part of the sky, use your peripheral vision to scan the whole sky for shooting stars. When you see one, your eyes will be drawn naturally towards it. You don’t need a telescope or binoculars, just your eyes!
What causes the Perseid meteor shower?
Each year as the Earth travels in 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 an incredible speed, they burn up, leaving a brief but bright trail — a shooting star!
Why is it called the Perseid meteor shower?
All meteor showers have a name based on the constellation they appear to radiate from. Perseid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation of Perseus.
When is the best time to see Perseid meteors?
The best time to see the Perseids is when they peak on the night of August 12th into the morning of August 13th each year. The peak of activity occurs in the early morning hours, around 2 am, when Earth rotates into the dust cloud left over from the tail of comet Swift-Tuttle. The tiny fragments in this dust cloud disintegrate as they enter Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing shooting stars.
Around the peak, up to 80 meteors per hour may be visible from a dark sky location. Several nights before and after are also excellent opportunities to see them.
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. If you cannot travel to a dark sky site, finding somewhere away from direct light is worthwhile, as doing so will allow your eyes to adjust. Some Perseids can be very bright, so it’s worth looking out for them even 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. Register on our website for notifications of other cool things to see in the night skies.
Perseid meteor photographed by Allan Trow / Dark Sky Wales
Publicly accessible Perseid meteor shower events
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.
This events map is continually updated on the run-up to the meteor shower’s peak; please check back regularly!
Public events around the peak of the Perseids meteor shower
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Perseids Meteor Shower viewing at Primrose Hill
Thursday 10th August 2023 from 21:00pm to Friday 11th August 2023 02:00am
Primrose Hill - London, London, NW1 4RY
More info
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Solar observing at Northumberland Park
Friday 11th August 2023 from 12:00pm to 15:00pm
Northumberland Park - North Shields, North Shields, NE30 2ES
More info
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COSMOS Observatory Solar Viewing
Friday 11th August 2023 from 14:00pm to 16:00pm
COSMOS Observatory, St Martins, TR25 0QN
More info
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Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – August 2023
Friday 11th August 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
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Solargazing and planetarium show at Abbey Tower
Friday 11th August 2023 from 17:45pm to 20:00pm
Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT
More info
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Coventry and Warwickshire Astronomical Society monthly meeting
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:30pm
Earlsdon Methodist Church Hall, Coventry, CV5 6NF
More info
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Observing at Windlesham School Observatory
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Windlesham School Observatory, Pulborough, RH20 4AY
More info
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Airdrie Astronomical Association club meeting
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
New Wellwynd Church - Airdrie, Airdrie, ML6 0AG
More info
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Breckland Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Great Ellingham Recreation Centre, Great Ellingham, NR17 1HZ
More info
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Brough Observatory informal open evening
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm
Brough Observatory, Brough, HU15 1BB
More info
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Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society Members Evening
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, EX10 0NY
More info
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Rosliston Astronomy Group mid-month meeting
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Rosliston Forestry Centre, Swadlincote, DE12 8JX
More info
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Rosse Observatory public open evening
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
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Weymouth Astronomy Club meeting
Friday 11th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Aldhelm's Church Centre, Weymouth, DT3 5EW
More info
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Ewell Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Nonsuch High School and Observatory, Cheam, SM3 8AB
More info
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Hampshire Astronomical Group monthly meeting
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm
Clanfield Memorial Hall, Clanfield, PO8 0RB
More info
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Milton Keynes Astronomical Society – informal astromeet
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Rectory Cottages - Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK63 6BJ
More info
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Perseids meteor shower and nocturnal wildlife guided walk
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Petworth House and Park, Midhurst, GU28 9LR
More info
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Public observing at High Legh Community Observatory
Friday 11th August 2023 from dusk
High Legh Community Observatory, High Legh, WA16 6NS
More info
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See the Perseids at Win Green with Cranborne Chase Astronomy Club
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:00am
Win Green - National Trust, Ludwell, SP7 0ES
More info
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See the Perseids with Sussex Sidewalk Astronomers
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to Saturday 12th August 2023 01:00am
North's Seat, Hastings, TN35 5EU
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Stargazing evening at the Observatory Science Centre
Friday 11th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 23:30pm
The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
More info
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Perseid Meteor Shower with Bridgend Astronomical Society
Friday 11th August 2023 from 21:00pm to Saturday 12th August 2023 01:00am
Bridgend and District Model Railway, Aberkenfig, CF32 0EH
More info
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Perseid meteor shower in Cassiobury Park
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 10:00am to Sunday 13th August 2023 00:00am
Cassiobury Park Hub, Watford, WD18 7LB
More info
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Photograph the Perseids at Raby Castle
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 11:00am to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:00am
Raby Castle, Barnard Castle, DL2 3AH
More info
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Public Solar Viewing at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 11:00am to 16:00pm
Royal Observatory Greenwich, London, SE10 8XJ
More info
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Stargazing and Wildlife night at Newport Wetlands
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 17:30pm to 23:30pm
RSPB Newport Wetlands, Newport, NP18 2BZ
More info
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Pig’s and Perseids with UK Astronomy
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 18:00pm to 23:00pm
Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary, Bletchley, MK17 0BH
More info
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Pigs and Perseids – August 2023
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 18:00pm to 22:30pm
Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary, Bletchley, MK17 0BH
More info
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Perseids Shooting Stars at the Observatory Science Centre
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 18:30pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 00:30am
The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
More info
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Kestle Barton by night (Perseid meteor shower)
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:00pm to 22:30pm
Kestle Barton, Helston, TR12 6HU
More info
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Perseid Meteor Watching & Storytelling
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:15pm to 23:30pm
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, EX10 0NY
More info
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Observing at Flamsteed Observatory
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm
Flamsteed Observatory, Derby, DE6 3BY
More info
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Perseids Meteor Night with Wells and Mendip Astronomers
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 23:30pm
Priddy Village Hall, Wells, BA5 3BE
More info
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See the Perseids at Wynyard Observatory
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:30pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 00:00am
Wynyard Planetarium & Observatory, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JG
More info
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South East Kent Astronomical Society meeting
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Alkham Village Hall, Alkham, CT15 7AR
More info
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The Astronomy Centre Public Open Evenings
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm
The Astronomy Centre, Near Todmorden, OL14 7HP
More info
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Cotswold Astronomical Society monthly meeting and observing
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 19:45pm to 22:00pm
Deer Park Archers, Cheltenham, GL51 4UD
More info
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Kenley Observatory Public Open Evening
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Norman Fisher Observatory at Kenley, Kenley, CR8 5EP
More info
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See the Perseids with Sussex Sidewalk Astronomers
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 20:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:00am
North's Seat, Hastings, TN35 5EU
More info
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Shooting Star Party at Boxted Cross
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 20:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:00am
Boxted Village Hall, Boxted Cross, CO4 5RE
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Stargazing with Shropshire Astronomical Society
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Little Ness Village Hall, Shrewsbury, SY4 2LG
More info
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Perseid Shooting Stars at Hengistbury Head
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 20:30pm to 23:30pm
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN
More info
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See the Perseid Meteors with Plymouth Astronomical Society
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 20:30pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 02:00am
Wembury Beach Car Park, Plymouth, PL9 0HP
More info
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Dark Skies Evening at Gigha Village Hall
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:00am
Gigha Village Hall, Isle of Gigha, PA41 7AD
More info
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See the Perseids at the Beacon Observatory
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 02:00am
The Beacon Observatory - University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ
More info
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See the Perseids from Sutton Bank Star Hub
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Sutton Bank Star Hub, Thirsk, YO7 2EX
More info
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See the Perseids in Bagworth
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:00am
Bagworth Working Men's Club, Bagworth, LE67 1BJ
More info
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See the Perseids with the Sussex Sidewalk Astronomers
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 02:00am
North's Seat, Hastings, TN35 5EU
More info
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Shooting Stars under Summer Skies – Perseids
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Sutton Bank Star Hub, Thirsk, YO7 2EX
More info
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Stargazing at Durlston Astronomy Centre
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Durlston Astronomy Centre and Observatory, Swanage, BH19 2JL
More info
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See the Perseids at Toothill Observatory
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:30pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:30am
Toothill Observatory, Southampton, SO16 8AL
More info
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See the Perseids with DASH Astronomical Society
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:30pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:30am
Lodge Road Car Park - Walberswick, Walberswick, IP19 9NB
More info
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Shooting Stars at Cosmic Cwtsh
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 21:30pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 00:00am
Gwaelod-y-rhos car park, Rhayader, LD6 5HE
More info
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Perseid Meteor Viewing Party at OM Dark Sky Observatory
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 22:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 00:00am
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH
More info
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Perseids in the Park
Saturday 12th August 2023 from 22:30pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 01:30am
Tyddyn Mawr Tea Room, Garndolbenmaen, LL51 9AZ
More info
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Space and Sun Sunday with Bath Astronomers
Sunday 13th August 2023 from 10:00am to 16:00pm
Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT
More info
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Pig’s and Perseids with UK Astronomy
Sunday 13th August 2023 from 18:00pm to 23:00pm
Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary, Bletchley, MK17 0BH
More info
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Pigs and Perseids – August 2023
Sunday 13th August 2023 from 18:00pm to 22:30pm
Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary, Bletchley, MK17 0BH
More info
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Cygnus Observatory public open evening
Sunday 13th August 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Cygnus Observatory at Washington Wetland Centre, Washington, NE38 8LE
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Sunday 13th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Inverclyde Skywatchers Club Meeting
Monday 14th August 2023 from 15:00pm to 17:00pm
Inverkip Hub, Greenock, PA16 0FZ
More info
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A Night Under the Stars family friendly camp-out (FREE!)
Monday 14th August 2023 from 18:30pm to Tuesday 15th August 2023 10:00am
Wilf's Cafe - Staveley Mill Yard, Staveley, LA8 9LR
More info
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King’s Lynn and District Astronomy Society meeting
Monday 14th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Tottenhill Village Hall, Tottenhill, PE33 0RS
More info
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Orwell Astronomical Society meeting and observing
Monday 14th August 2023 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Newbourne Village Hall, Newbourne, IP12 4NP
More info
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Stargazing and planetarium experience at Twice Brewed Observatory
Monday 14th August 2023 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Jersey Astronomy Club Observatory Open Night
Monday 14th August 2023 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Sir Patrick Moore Astronomy Centre - Jersey, St. Brelade, JE3 8LN
More info
Jupiter and Venus conjunction - March 2023
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See a partial solar eclipse from the UK in October 2022
The Challenge of Megaconstellations