Perseiden-meteor showers: This is how the summer sky illuminates!

Perseiden-meteor showers: This is how the summer sky illuminates!

In the warm summer nights between July 17 and August 24, 2025, the night sky is again illuminated by a fascinating spectacle: the Perseiden. These best-known meteor flows, which have their origin in the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, offer a particularly impressive show, especially on the night from August 12th, when the highlight is reached and up to 100 meteors can be visible per hour. Experts recommend going outside from 1 a.m. until dawn to enjoy the best possible view. However, the likelihood of observing these impressive lighting symptoms depends heavily on the light conditions on site.

The comet 109p/Swift-Tuttle has an interesting story. He was first discovered on July 16, 1862 by Lewis A. Swift and identified independently on July 19 by Horace Parnell Tuttle. The comet moves on an elliptical path and circles the sun every 133 years. With a diameter of about 26 kilometers and a perihelic speed of 42.6 km/s, it is one of the land -close objects that can come particularly close to the earth - next time in 2126, if it will approach the earth to 25 million kilometers. Even if a collision cannot be completely excluded, there is no danger on this return.

observation tips for the Perseiden

To experience the Perseids in their full splendor, there are some recommended tips. Experts advise you to go to a low -light place to optimize the view of the starry sky. It is important to give the eyes about 15 to 20 minutes to get used to the darkness. For this purpose, observers should be equipped in appropriate clothing as well as a ceiling or ceiling. In addition, apps such as Star Walk 2 and Sky Tonight can be helpful to improve the view of the meteors and to better understand the starry sky. The Grimmspace company emphasizes that meteors are created from small meteoroids that enter the atmosphere and become visible here.

The meteors of the Perseids reach speeds of up to 60 km/s before they burn in the earth's atmosphere. However, due to the influence of Jupiter and other atmospheric conditions, such as air and light pollution, the visibility of the meteors in Central Europe can be severely restricted. Under optimal conditions, observers should expect around 10 to 25 visible meteors per hour.

The name "Perseiden" indicates the constellation Perseus, where the radiant of the meteors is located. The connection between the comet 109p and the meteor current was recognized by Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1866. These fascinating heavenly events not only offer a breathtaking sight, but also a deep insight into the secrets of our solar system, as they present the matter to us that the comet gives in its rounds.

The Perseids are not only an astronomical event, but also a valuable piece of nature experience that invites you to look upwards into the sky and admire the miracles of the universe. This summer, all stars can look forward to an impressive show.

For more information about the Perseiden and their origin, visit the articles of 5min, Wikipedia and Grimmspace: 5min , wikipedia , grimmspace .