Perseids Shower Reach Their Peak Today

Every year in midsummer, the sky over Austria transforms into a fascinating spectacle: The Perseids, one of the most impressive meteor showers of the year, will reach their peak this year on the night of August 12th to 13th.

"Disturbing Moon" reduces visibility of Perseids

The Perseids occur when the Earth passes through the dust trail of the comet Swift-Tuttle. The particles entering the atmosphere burn up and create the famous luminous trails in the night sky. Under optimal conditions, observers can see up to 100 meteors per hour. However, in 2025, nature presents a small obstacle: the so-called "disturbing moon" - in this case almost 80 percent full - will be in the sky on the same night and its light will outshine many of the weaker shooting stars. While this does not diminish the fascination, it does require a darker observation spot than in other years.

For shooting star fans in Austria, this means: get out of the city, up to the mountains. Particularly suitable are remote alpine pastures, higher meadows, and so-called light protection areas – such as the Star Light Oasis Großmugl in Lower Austria. Here, light pollution is low, the view of the sky is clear, and the chance to see a real wishing star is particularly high.

Shooting star peak at night

The best time for observation is between 10:00 PM and the early morning hours. To experience the full splendor, it is recommended to be outside about half an hour before the actual observation begins – the eyes need this time to fully adjust to the darkness. Binoculars and telescopes can be safely left at home: shooting stars are best seen with the naked eye.

Meteorologists expect warm to mild conditions for the night with lows between 15 and 20 degrees, which generally provides good conditions for a pleasant observation. However, the ongoing heat can also lead to increased humidity in the atmosphere, which can slightly cloud the view. Additionally, in some regions – especially in the south and east of the country – an increasing tendency for thunderstorms is expected from August 13th.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.