Stargazers in the UK are in for a treat this month as one of the most famous meteor showers lights up the night sky. The Perseids is one of the brightest and longest meteor showers of the year, caused by Earth passing through the debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift Tuttle.
As the planet passes through, tiny meteoroids hit our atmosphere at 36 miles per second. This causes them to burn up and streak through the sky as shooting stars that are visible to us down on earth. The shower is set to peak between 11–13 August and if you want a prime seat to this incredible display, one of the most important things to look for is dark skies.
Light pollution from cities and towns will make it difficult to see the meteoroids so you need somewhere without light.
According to Planet Cruise, the best place to see the Perseids is Snowdonia in Wales. With an elevation of 700 metres and extremely low light pollution, it offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and even meteor showers.
The vast national park provides numerous vantage points, ensuring an unforgettable stargazing experience
In second place is another UK destination – Wasdale, which is home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike.
With zero light pollution and an elevation of 351 metres, it provides pristine night skies perfect for observing celestial wonders. Whether from the valleys or the peaks, Wasdale offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing enthusiasts.
Outside of the UK, the best place to stargaze is Interlaken in Switzerland, thanks to its massive elevation. Interlaken has an elevation of 3401 meters and very low light pollution, which means the Milky Way is frequently visible.
If you’re heading out to spot the Perseid’s this week, the best way to make sure you can see them properly is to relax.
Avoid looking at any bright lights to let your eyes adjust to the darkness. It can take up to half an hour for your eyes to fully adjust to the night sky. Make sure that wherever you are viewing the meteors, you have an open clearing to see the skies.
Most of all, just sit back and enjoy the show. Let being in nature calm and ground you, and enjoy the stunning spectacle of the meteor shower.
