Prepare with Cher’s Viewing Guide to the Perseid Meteor Shower
- Cheryl Nelson
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
If you’ve known me for a while, you know I’ve always been fascinated by the sky. When the sun sets and the stars come out, I’m completely mesmerized. Some of my best teenage memories are of lying in the grass, stargazing with my best friends and high school crush, watching for shooting stars. That love for the night sky has stayed with me into adulthood—just last year, I had the unforgettable experience of photographing both the aurora borealis and Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3) right here in southeast Virginia. That’s why I look forward to this week every year—the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower.
1. What’s Happening & When to Watch
The Perseids happen when Earth passes through debris from comet Swift-Tuttle, creating bright streaks of light across the night sky. This year, the meteor shower peaks August 12th, into the early morning hours of August 13th.
The best time to watch is after midnight and before dawn, with 2:00–5:00 a.m. generally giving you the highest number of meteors.
2. This Year’s Conditions
We do have a challenge this year—a bright waning gibbous moon. That extra moonlight will make it harder to see the fainter meteors, but the Perseids are famous for producing bright fireballs that can still shine through the glare. In a dark location, you may still see 25 to 100 meteors per hour.
3. How to Get the Best View
Get away from city lights. Find a dark, open spot with an unobstructed view of the sky.
Look toward the northeast, but don’t stare directly at the radiant point—meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.
Let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes. Avoid looking at your phone, or use a red-light filter if you need light.
Lie back and relax. A reclining chair or blanket makes it easier to see more of the sky without straining your neck.
4. Photography Tips
If you want to try capturing the show:
Use a tripod for stability.
Set your camera with a wide-angle lens, high ISO (800–1600), long exposure (15–30 seconds), and wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4).
Frame your shot away from the moon to avoid glare.
Be patient—meteors are unpredictable, but that’s part of the magic.
5. My Viewing Checklist
Blanket or reclining chair
Snacks and something warm to drink if it's cool
Flashlight with red light setting
Bug spray
A sense of wonder
Final Thoughts
Even with the moon in the mix, the Perseids are worth watching. There’s something magical about being outside under the stars, waiting for those fleeting flashes of light. For me, it’s a chance to reconnect with those warm summer nights of my youth—and to be reminded that nature still puts on the best show of all. In 2024, I had the unforgettable experience of photographing both the aurora borealis and Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3) here in southeast Virginia—and it would be great to catch some Perseid meteors streak across the sky tonight.
Comments