Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Bright Gibbous Moon Dims Perseid Meteor Shower Peak

Skywatchers are encouraged to use dark sky sites or livestreams on later nights when the Moon's brightness wanes.

Image
A meteor streaks across the sky during the Perseids meteor shower peak at Pedernales Falls State Park on August 12, 2024 in Johnson City, Texas.
Image
Image

Overview

  • An 84%-illuminated waning gibbous Moon washed out fainter Perseids during the Aug. 12–13 peak, cutting visible rates to about 10–20 meteors per hour versus 40–50 under dark skies.
  • The shower reached its peak as Earth crossed debris from comet 109P/Swift–Tuttle, yielding fast meteors and occasional fireballs that still pierced lunar glare.
  • Optimal viewing windows remain from midnight to 5:30 a.m. local time—particularly between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.—when Perseus climbs higher and moonlight interference dips.
  • Experts advise heading to dark-sky locations away from city lights, using terrain or buildings to block the Moon, reclining for a wide view, and allowing 15–30 minutes for eyes to adapt.
  • Those hindered by moonlight, weather or light pollution can turn to livestreams such as the Virtual Telescope Project and Global Meteor Network; clearer shows are likely on subsequent nights as the Moon wanes.