Viewing conditions for the peak of the Perseid meteor shower across Europe

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

Commonly known as the best meteor shower of the year, the Perseids are set to peak and will be visible across Europe where the weather cooperates.

This year, the peak of the highly anticipated meteor shower falls on the night of Monday, Aug. 12, into the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug. 13, according to the AMS.

“Up to 100 meteors per hour will occur during the peak night,” AccuWeather Astronomy Blogger Dave Samuhel said.

“The Perseids are most active after midnight through daybreak. However, there are so many meteors during this shower, don't hesitate to view during the evening,” Samuhel said.

The Perseids are one of the most popular meteor showers due to the combination of frequent sightings and the typically comfortable August nights.

Unseasonably cool air will greet stargazers from the British Isles to France and Germany, making jackets and blankets a priority for anyone planning to spend extended time outdoors.

Plenty of meteors — including some fireballs — are visible over Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in this photo by astrophotographer Sergio Garcia Rill. He captured these meteors during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower on Aug. 12, 2018. Credit: Sergio Garcia Rill

Low temperatures will range from 7-13 C (45-55 F) in these areas. Much warmer air will be entrenched from Poland and Belarus to Italy and the Balkan Peninsula.

Unfortunately, thick clouds will limit the ability to view the spectacular astronomical show from the Alps into Poland and the Baltic States. These ares will be at risk for rain and perhaps a thunderstorm during the overnight hours.

Clouds and showers will also be an issue at times from the British Isles to France, Germany and Scandinavia.

The best viewing is expected from the Iberian Peninsula to Italy and the Balkan Peninsula where the clearest skies will prevail throughout the night.

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The phase of the moon also plays a key in determining how many meteors will be visible.

"The nearly full moon will be shining bright nearly all night long, making it difficult to see many of the dimmer meteors ," AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer Brian Lada said.

"Due to the moon, spectators this year should try to keep the moon out of their sight and look to the darkest part of the sky," said Lada.

If clouds spoil the celestial light show in your backyard, you can watch the meteor shower on NASA TV. The broadcast will begin around 9 p.m. EDT.

If you are determined to catch a glimpse of meteors but unable to do so on Monday night, some meteors will still be in the night sky until Aug. 24, although the number will dwindle each night going forward.

After the Perseids, stargazers will need to wait until October for the next opportunity to watch a meteor shower.

The Draconid meteor shower is the next meteor shower to mark on your calendar, which peaks on Oct. 8, followed by the Orionid meteor shower, which will peak on Oct. 21.