Get ready – the Perseid meteor shower is just around the corner.
The night sky above Australia has been putting on a show this year, with a flurry of interstellar activity on display throughout 2025. But July is really delivering the celestial drama, as the spectacular Perseid meteor shower begins its roughly one-month journey past Earth.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid meteor shower is often dubbed the best of its kind. Characterised by its swift and bright meteors that are visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres, it’s one of the most highly anticipated celestial events around the world.
This natural light show has long been a favourite among astronomy enthusiasts, famed for the vibrant trains of light left in its wake and the dazzling fireballs that often accompany it. Not only can us Earth dwellers easily spot it with the naked eye, but we’re also able to make out different colours and sizes.
Compared to other showers like the Lyrids, which usually average 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the likelihood of witnessing the Perseids is extremely high. According to NASA , observers can expect between 50 and 100 meteors an hour – a whopping 400 per cent increase in sighting probability.
When will it be active?
The Perseids originate from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which left a large trail of detritus as it cruised past us back in 1992. When Earth passes through this debris stream during its orbit around the sun, the cometary material collides with our atmosphere. Extreme speeds create air friction, and that, combined with atmospheric compression, causes the objects to heat up, break apart and burn out. That’s what we see during a meteor shower.
Earth enters comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle’s debris trail once a year and takes around a month to fully clear it. This means we’re treated to the Perseids meteor shower every year! While it’ll be visible from as early as 17 July, the best time to witness the celestial show is around mid-August. This year, it’s expected to peak on 12–13 August. This is when Earth passes through the most concentrated part of the debris trail, resulting in the most meteor activity.
Where can I see it?
Australia is home to plenty of prime stargazing spots – from dedicated reserves and observatories to our very own DarkSky-approved stay. But thanks to the Perseids’ spectacular scale, you won’t need to venture far to catch a glimpse. No matter what part of the country you call home, even backyard star-chasers are in for a treat.
But to get the most out of your experience, a few simple tips and tricks can go a long way. First things first, find a spot with minimal light pollution – the darker, the better. Head outside about 30 minutes before you want to catch the show, giving your eyes enough time to fully adjust to the darkness. The best part? No fancy gear required. You won’t need a telescope or even binoculars – just a cosy blanket, a little patience and an astronomical attitude.
