The Perseid meteor shower will peak on the night of August 12–13

In the coming days, residents of Cyprus and the entire Northern Hemisphere can look forward to one of the most beautiful astronomical events — the Perseid meteor shower. Its peak is expected on the night from Monday to Tuesday, August 12–13, when up to 100 meteors per hour may be visible.

The Perseids appear every year in August when Earth passes through the trail of dust and particles left behind by the Swift–Tuttle comet. These particles enter the atmosphere at high speeds and burn up, creating bright streaks of light across the sky. The shower is active from mid-July to the end of August, but the night of August 12–13 is considered the most spectacular moment.

However, this year, bright moonlight may interfere with visibility — the Moon will be nearly full, reducing the chance of seeing fainter meteors. Still, the brightest and longest "shooting stars" should remain visible, especially in areas far from city lights.

The best time to observe the shower is after midnight until dawn. It is recommended to look toward the northeast, near the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.

In Cyprus, the Kition Planetarium, together with the Fakas Institute, is organizing a public observation event. On August 12 from 21:00 to 23:00, anyone interested can join the gathering in the village of Kyperounta, where astronomers will help participants observe not only the Perseids, but also the Moon, planets, and other celestial bodies.

It’s a great opportunity to spend an evening outdoors, gaze at the starry sky, and witness a true cosmic spectacle.