💫 Perseid Meteor Shower
August Meteor Shower
Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Visible: From midnight
Experience the meteor shower from your farm stay at Westerlands, a Dark Sky Reserve where the stars shine brightest. Book your stay and enjoy this rare celestial display.
August 2026
Perseid Meteor Shower
Why It’s Special
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular annual celestial events, offering a dazzling display of meteors streaking across the night sky. In 2026, the Perseids will be active from 17 July to 24 August, with the peak occurring on the night of 12–13 August. This year, the timing coincides with a new moon on 12 August, ensuring dark skies ideal for meteor viewing.
What You’ll Notice
At Westerlands, the meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, rising in the northeastern sky. While the radiant becomes visible in the late evening, the best viewing is typically midnight to dawn, when the sky is darkest and meteor activity is at its peak. Under ideal conditions, observers can see up to 100 meteors per hour. Shooting stars streak across the sky, sometimes leaving persistent glowing trails, creating a breathtaking display over the Sussex countryside.
Folklore & Tradition
The Perseids originate from debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which Earth passes through every August. Historically, meteor showers were often interpreted as celestial messages, omens, or signs from the heavens. In Europe, the Perseids were sometimes called the “Tears of St. Lawrence,” associated with the Christian martyr commemorated on 10 August. People would watch the sky in awe, often making wishes when a meteor streaked overhead, giving rise to the familiar “wish upon a shooting star” tradition.
Seasonal Connection
The Perseids occur in the late summer, when evenings in Sussex are generally mild and skies are clear. This timing provides excellent opportunities for stargazing at Westerlands which is located at the centre of the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve. The shower also reflects the predictability of Earth’s orbit intersecting the comet’s debris stream each year, linking human experience to the broader celestial cycle. Observing the Perseids connects us to cosmic rhythms and offers a moment to appreciate the scale and regularity of the solar system.
Tips for Viewers
Best Viewing Times: Midnight to dawn, when the sky is darkest.
Preparation: Allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Equipment: No telescope or binoculars needed; reclining on a blanket or chair is ideal for extended viewing.
The Perseid Meteor Shower is a highlight of the summer sky in Sussex, offering both scientific wonder and centuries of cultural tradition, making it a memorable experience for observers of all ages.