The 2026 Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak overnight August 12 into the early morning hours of August 13, and there will be virtually no moonlight competing with the meteors. That is because the Moon is at its New Moon phase on August 12. For meteor watchers, that is excellent news: A bright Moon can wash out fainter meteors, while a moonless sky allows more of those fleeting streaks to stand out against the darkness. NASA calls the Perseids one of the best annual meteor showers. They say that no telescope is required to enjoy it.
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The shower is named for the constellation Perseus, because the meteors appear to radiate from a point in that part of the sky. But you don't have to stare directly at Perseus. Meteors can streak across a large portion of the sky.
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How Do You View the Perseid Meteor Shower?
Instead, make it easy. Grab a blanket or reclining lawn chair, head somewhere dark, put on some bug spray and look up. Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and try to avoid looking at your phone as much as possible. The darker your surroundings, the more meteors you'll be able to spot.
What Time Should You Go Outside to See the Perseid Meteor Shower?
For most viewers in the United States, around midnight is a good time to start. But don't give up if the first few minutes are quiet. Your chances generally improve as the night gets later.
And don't worry about missing the exact minute of the peak. The Perseids are active from mid-July into late August, with activity building toward the August peak and declining afterward.
If you live in a city, don't assume you have to give up. Find the darkest, most open spot available and give yourself as wide a view of the sky as possible. The meteors can appear anywhere overhead.
Do I Need Any Equipment to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower?
This is where the 2026 sky calendar gets really exciting. On August 12, a total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small part of Portugal. In North America, the eclipse will be partial only. For example, NASA says New York City will see about 9% of the Sun covered, while Philadelphia will see about 7%.
Anyone viewing the partial solar eclipse must use proper eclipse glasses or another safe solar-viewing method. Never look directly at the partially eclipsed Sun without appropriate eye protection.
Upcoming Sky Events to Watch
August 27–28 - Deep Partial Lunar EclipseThe summer sky show doesn't end with the Perseids. On August 27–28, 2026, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible across North America and other parts of the world.Earth will cast its shadow across the Moon in a deep partial lunar eclipse visible across much of North America. At maximum eclipse, about 96.2% of the Moon's area will be within Earth's darkest shadow.
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