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Perseid highlight: Shooting Star Night promises magical experiences!
Experience the Perseid nights in North Rhine-Westphalia on August 11, 2025: Tips for optimal observation of this fascinating stream of shooting stars.
Perseid highlight: Shooting Star Night promises magical experiences!
The nights of the Perseid shooting star stream are just around the corner, and for all Cologne residents this is a welcome opportunity to look at the sky. A spectacular show is expected, especially on the night of Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Every year in the first half of August, people witness the impressive spectacle, and this year you could see up to 30 shooting stars per hour if everything goes right. That reports daily news.
However, the weather conditions have to be right in order to really enjoy the fireworks in the sky. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the forecast is promising with almost cloudless skies, but a bright full moon will affect the view of the spectacle. Places that are sealed off from artificial light are particularly suitable. So if you want to have the best experience, you should ideally go outside of cities and avoid the tranquility of nature.
Tips for observation
For a cozy evening under the stars, it doesn't matter much if you make sure you have the right equipment. A deck chair or a sleeping mat should be with you; binoculars or telescopes are more of a hindrance as they limit the field of vision. If you want to capture a snapshot of the sky, you need a wide-angle lens, a camera on a tripod and the patience for long exposures. Equipped like this, nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable experience!
The Perseids have their roots in comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which was first observed more than 2,000 years ago. This comet takes 133 years to orbit the Sun, with the last time it was near the Sun in 1992. Its debris leaves behind a cloud of small particles that enter our atmosphere at a speed of 60 km/s, creating the actual meteors. How NASA explains, these small particles are responsible for the beautiful light displays that we admire during this meteor shower.
A popular event
The demand for star tours during the Perseids has increased in recent years, which is also confirmed by a spokesman for the North Eifel Nature Park. Last year, hundreds flocked to Vogelsang in Schleiden, where specially designed spots without light pollution greatly improved the view of it. A little insider tip for all observation enthusiasts!
Overall, meteorologists expect that the maximum activity of up to 100 meteors per hour will be reached on the night of August 12th to 13th - slightly less than other years, due to the moon, which will be 83% illuminated. The best observation times are around 02:38 UTC (04:38 CEST). So don't forget to bring your best blanket and provide the comforts of life like snacks and hot drinks. After all, these nights are not only for astronomy enthusiasts, but for everyone who enjoys nature and the darkness of the sky.
The anticipation of the Perseids is growing, and the people of Cologne are well prepared to experience the fascinating spectacle of shooting stars. Don't miss this opportunity and get ready for a night full of magic and light.