Perseids 2025: Full moon clouds the shooting star night!

Perseids 2025: Full moon clouds the shooting star night!

August brings a very special highlight for stargazers and amateur astronomers: the Perseids. Every year, this impressive meteor shower draws night owls and interested parties outdoors to observe the sparkling trails of light in the sky. This year, the Perseid maximum is expected on the night of August 12th to 13th, 2025, but conditions are not helped by the almost full moon the evening before, like BR24 reported.

The Perseid meteor shower is formed from dust and rock particles from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, whose last notable visibility was in 1995. Professionals and amateurs know that the best chance of sightings occurs in the hours after midnight, when the radiant, the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to come, is higher. Unfortunately, the moonlight will outshine some of the fainter shooting stars, so only the brighter ones, called bolides, will be clearly visible.

The role of Comet Swift-Tuttle

Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle is no stranger to the universe: with a diameter of 26 kilometers and an orbital period of 133 years, it is the “parent body” of the Perseids. Interestingly, it also has a 1:11 resonance with Jupiter. The last time this comet was close enough to be observed was in 1995, and the next high visibility is expected in July 2126, when it should be visible at a magnitude of about 0.7. Historically, the 1862 comet was even as bright as the Polar Star, underscoring its importance. You can find out more about this on Wikipedia.

Observation tips

Sometimes the most beautiful experience in life is also the most patient. To avoid missing out on the best Perseid sightings, those interested should go to a dark place away from cities and light sources. A quiet position, ideally lying down, ensures that you can take a wide view of the sky. Anyone who overcomes the darkness a little will find themselves rewarded; Even if the meteor conditions are not optimal this year, the atmosphere is even more impressive. Unfortunately, small clouds or unfavorable weather can severely impair visibility, so always keep an eye on the weather!

Meteor activity extends over more than a month, with the days around the maximum being particularly popular. However, 2025 is also described as a potential “total failure” because the peak is expected just three days after the full moon. So it could be challenging to see the less bright meteors, like the astro club explained.

In conclusion, despite the challenges that the moonlight and possible weather obstacles bring us this year, the Perseids are always worth a try. The fascination of the meteor workers and the opportunity to observe the shooting stars - every evening in August makes a view of a sky full of stars a little adventure!