The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, will be at its peak on the night of August 12–13. Known for producing bright and frequent meteors, the Perseids typically offer stargazers a dazzling display of shooting stars streaking across the sky.

This year, however, the nearly full moon may make spotting the faintest meteors a bit tricky. But don’t let that stop you—many of the Perseids are bright enough to be seen even in moonlight. To maximize your chances, head away from city lights and find a dark, open area with a clear view of the sky.

The best viewing time is after midnight until dawn, when the Earth is moving directly into the meteor stream. At its peak, viewers can expect to see up to 50–60 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

The Perseids are actually fragments from the comet Swift–Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. As Earth passes through its trail of debris each August, those tiny particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the bright streaks we call meteors.

Whether you’re a dedicated astronomy enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a peaceful night under the stars, tonight offers a chance to witness one of nature’s most beautiful light shows. Bring a blanket, lie back, and give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. You might just catch a few unforgettable shooting stars—and maybe even make a wish.