The Perseid meteor shower begins tonight, giving skywatchers in California an early chance to spot one of the best-known annual meteor displays. The shower runs from July 17 through Aug. 24 and returns each year to the Northern Hemisphere summer sky.
The biggest show is expected overnight from Aug. 12 to Aug. 13, when the Perseids are forecast to reach their peak. That period is typically the main target for viewers hoping to catch the most activity, although the shower can still be visible on surrounding nights during its long run.
For people in California, viewing conditions will matter as the event gets underway. Clear, darker skies generally offer the best chance to see meteors, while cloud cover and bright local lighting can make viewing harder. Interest in the opening night is likely to center on how local sky conditions shape visibility across the state.
Because the Perseids remain active for weeks, missing the first night does not mean missing the shower. The extended window through late August gives observers several opportunities to look up before the annual meteor event fades.
