August is set to close out the summer stargazing season with one of the sky’s biggest annual events. The Perseid meteor shower, often described as the best meteor shower of the year, reaches its peak on Aug. 12 and 13.

At its strongest, the Perseids can produce up to 100 shooting stars per hour when viewing conditions are ideal. That makes the shower a standout event for people hoping to catch frequent meteors during a single night of skywatching.

The annual display is one of the most anticipated celestial events of late summer, drawing attention from both experienced observers and casual viewers. Its reputation comes from the combination of a strong peak and the possibility of seeing many meteors in a relatively short period.

For anyone planning to look up in August, the Perseids remain the headline event. With the shower peaking over two nights and offering the potential for a bright, active display, it gives summer stargazing a dramatic finish.