Starwatch: Perseids to peak in dazzling shower mid-month

It is the big one for meteor watchers. The annual Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak of activity on the night of 12 August going into the early hours of 13 August. The chart shows the view looking north-east from London at midnight.

The moon will have 50% of its visible surface illuminated, and will be setting near midnight, leaving the sky as dark as possible for seeing the fainter of the meteors.

The Perseids will appear to emanate in all directions from their radiant point, located in the constellation of Perseus, the hero. They have been active since 17 July, and will persist past the peak until around 24 August.

On the night of 12 August, they will reach the climax of their activity, presenting star watchers with between 60 and 100 meteors an hour. Even though it is August, and summer in the northern hemisphere, dress for warmth.

Meteor watching requires patience. Experienced watchers often come equipped with blankets and deckchairs to be truly comfortable as the vigil extends into the early hours.

Although best-placed for observers in the northern hemisphere, the Perseids can also be seen down to the mid-southern latitudes.