As summer wanes, the Perseid meteor shower will dazzle sky watchers this weekend, Space.com reports.

The meteor shower, known for its spectacular displays, will reach its peak from late Sunday night into early Monday morning. This year’s event promises optimal viewing conditions, with minimal moonlight to obscure the show.

The first quarter moon is set to set around 11:20 p.m. local daylight time, creating a dark sky ideal for observing the meteor shower.

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What to Expect

Observers can expect the best meteor activity from around 11 p.m. until dawn, with the pre-dawn hours offering the highest visibility. As Earth rotates, it aligns more directly with the meteor stream, increasing the number of visible meteors.

For those planning to capture the event on camera, guidance is available on photographing meteors and selecting the best equipment for astrophotography.

Sky watchers should find a spot with a clear, dark view of the sky. The shower’s radiant point, located between the Perseus constellation and Cassiopeia’s ‘W,’ will rise higher in the northeast, allowing meteors to streak across all parts of the sky at a rate of about one every minute or two. Even in areas with moderate light pollution, the brightest Perseids will be visible and often leave persistent trails.

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The Perseid Shower Peak

The peak of the Perseid shower is forecasted for 1 p.m. PDT on Monday, but the meteors will continue to be visible at reduced rates for several days before and after the peak. Occasionally, meteors may appear throughout August.

Past events have shown surprises, such as the unexpected outburst on Aug. 14, 2021, which saw meteor rates up to twice the normal. With favorable conditions this year, sky watchers are advised to take advantage of the clear skies before next year’s bright moon diminishes visibility.

Read more at Space.com.