The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak overnight on Wednesday, August 12, just hours after a solar eclipse that will be the most dramatic visible from the UK since 1999. The double celestial event begins in the early evening and continues into Thursday, August 13.
The eclipse will see the Moon cover up to 95 per cent of the Sun in Cornwall and 94 per cent in Pembrokeshire, with London and many other locations experiencing around 90 per cent coverage. As darkness falls, the active Perseid shower, which runs from July 17 to August 24 this year, will be at its best.
What Causes the Perseids?
The Perseids are caused by debris from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As the Earth passes through this trail of comet debris, fast-moving space rocks enter the atmosphere, encounter air resistance, become extremely hot, and burn up, creating bright streaks of light known as shooting stars.
According to NASA, the Perseids can produce between 50 and 100 meteors per hour during the peak under favourable viewing conditions. They are considered one of the year's best showers due to their high meteor count and bright, fast streaks.
Timings for the Eclipse and Meteor Shower
Royal Museums Greenwich says the radiant of the Perseids is always above the horizon as seen from the UK, so observers may spot meteors as soon as the Sun sets on Wednesday. The best time to view is between midnight and 5.30am on Thursday.
Eclipse timings vary by location. In Edinburgh and Glasgow, it begins around 6.08pm, peaks at 7.05pm, and ends at about 8pm. In London, Bristol, and Cardiff, it starts around 6.17pm, reaches maximum at 7.12pm, and finishes at 8.06pm.
How to Watch Safely
No special equipment is needed for the meteor shower. Find a dark location away from city lights, as artificial glow and a bright Moon are the main obstacles. Royal Museums Greenwich notes: "In 2026 the peak of the Perseid meteor shower fortunately occurs during new Moon, so conditions are ideal for seeing the peak."
For the eclipse, health officials warn to use specially designed eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to protect eyes from harmful solar radiation. Alternatively, a pinhole viewer can be made at home.
Other Meteor Showers in 2026
Royal Museums Greenwich lists these upcoming meteor showers: Alpha Capricornids (July 3 - August 15, maximum July 30), Southern Delta Aquariids (July 12 - August 23, maximum July 30), Perseids (July 17 - August 24, maximum August 12-13), Draconids (October 6 - 10, maximum October 9), Orionids (October 2 - November 7, maximum October 21), Southern Taurids (September 10 - November 20, maximum October 10), Northern Taurids (October 20 - December 10, maximum November 12), Leonids (November 6 - 30, maximum November 18), Geminids (December 4 - 20, maximum December 14), and Ursids (December 17 - 26, maximum December 22).
