Perseid meteor shower to peak in Cyprus skies this August

The Cyprus Astronomy Organization (KOAS–DarkSky) has announced that the annual Perseid meteor shower will be visible from Cyprus under exceptionally favorable conditions. The peak of the celestial event is expected to occur overnight between Wednesday, August 12, and Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The favorable observation conditions are attributed to the timing of the new moon, which will result in darker skies, significantly enhancing visibility for those watching away from urban centers. Experts recommend observing the shower after midnight, when the constellation Perseus rises higher above the horizon. The Perseids consist of debris from the comet 109P/Swift–Tuttle, which enters Earth's atmosphere at speeds of approximately 59 kilometers per second, creating the characteristic "shooting star" streaks of light as the particles incinerate.

While the meteor shower remains active from July 17 until August 24, the highest concentration of activity will be concentrated on the night of the peak. The organization advises observers to seek dark locations to fully enjoy the phenomenon, which represents the Earth passing through the trail left by the comet during its previous orbits within our solar system.