The Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August each year, bringing 50 to 100 fast and bright shooting stars per hour. The debris comes from the comet Swift-Tuttle. Best viewing happens in the pre-dawn hours under clear, dark skies. No special tools are needed.
The shower is still active during camp week — it runs through
August 24. The peak was the night of August 12–13, but dark skies over
camp are exactly what the tail of the shower wants.
Key facts
- Active dates: July 17 to August 24
- Peak time: Night of August 12–13
- Meteor speed: 37 miles (59 km) per second
- Source comet: 109P/Swift-Tuttle
- Radiant point: Constellation Perseus
How to watch
- Find an open, dark spot away from bright city lights.
- Wait until after midnight, as the radiant point rises higher toward dawn.
- Give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Source: NASA Science