2026 Perseids meteor shower to peak over Bulgaria on August 12 – 13

The 2026 Perseids meteor shower will peak on the night from August 12 to 13, with little competition from the moon, which is in the New Moon phase on August 12.

The current forecast says that most of Bulgaria is set for clear skies overnight from August 12 to 13.

The best time to view the shower in the northern hemisphere is deep into the night and at pre-dawn hours.

The Perseids have been observed for at least two millennia and are made up of bits of dust and ice trailing the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun once every 133 years, according to Nasa.

Their name derives from the fact that they appear to emanate from the constellation Perseus.

To view this meteor shower, look toward the northeast once it’s fully dark and watch for the constellation Perseus to clear the horizon, Nasa said. “This is where the meteors originate, but let your eyes wander, because they can flash across any part of the sky,” it said.

For the best view, stay out late as the stars climb higher, find a dark open spot, and give your eyes 30 minutes to adjust, Nasa said.