The Much Anticipated Perseids Meteor Shower is TONIGHT!

Kristina Hemel
Aug 12
2 min read

Hey there, NWKS Radio family! Tonight is the night to keep your eyes on the skies because the much-anticipated Perseids meteor shower is putting on its annual show—and it could be a gem for our NWKS Radio listeners. Here's your fun, friendly guide to what to expect, why it’s so special, and how to make the most of the meteor magic:

Tonight’s Meteor Highlights for NWKS

When to Watch

The Perseids reach their peak tonight—August 12 to 13, 2025—with prime viewing between midnight and dawn. The absolute best window? 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. local time, when meteor activity is at its highest.
Full‐moon glow may hide fainter meteors—expect around 10–20 shooting stars per hour rather than the usual 50–100 under perfect conditions.

What to Expect

Swift and bright meteors streak across the sky, often leaving glowing “wakes” behind—think fiery cotton candy trails.
Watch out for fireballs—these extra-bright meteors linger longer and pack more visual punch.
This year, a near-full moon (around 80–86% illuminated) will wash out dimmer meteors—but the show is still worth catching.
You might also enjoy a rare Venus–Jupiter planetary conjunction in the pre-dawn sky before sunrise.

Why the Perseids Are a Sky-Watching Staple

Earth is plowing through a trail of cosmic debris—millions of tiny ice and rock fragments—from Comet Swift–Tuttle, which orbits every 133 years.
The meteors blaze in when they hit Earth’s atmosphere at about 59 km/s (or around 37 miles/s), heating the air to thousands of degrees and creating bright trails.
This shower is one of the most reliable and active—typically offering dozens to hundreds of shooting stars per hour during peak.
The event has roots stretching back to ancient observations (first recorded in 36 AD!), and is also known as the Tears of St. Lawrence in Catholic tradition, tying summer’s skies to folklore and meaning.

How to Catch the Show (Northwest Kansas Edition)

Find a dark, open spot—fields or rural land are ideal. Town lights are your enemy!
Eyes to the northeast—the meteors radiate from the Perseus constellation, but they can appear anywhere in the sky
Give your night vision time—spend 15–20 minutes in the dark and avoid looking at phones.
Comfort is key—bring lawn chairs or blankets, warm drinks, and a friend to say “Whoa!” with you.
No special gear needed—telescope? Nah. A wide, naked-eye view does the job best.
Turn on your favorite NWKS Radio station as you watch!

Tonight's Viewing Snapshot—NWKS Radio Style

What	Details
When	Midnight–4 a.m., with peak between 3–4 a.m. local time
Where	Northeast sky, ideally from a dark rural spot in NW Kansas
What to Expect	10–20 meteors/hour under moonlit conditions, with bright streaks and occasional fireballs
Why It’s Awesome	Debris from ancient Comet Swift–Tuttle lighting up summer nights, rooted in centuries of culture and sky lore
Pro Tips	Bundle up, let your eyes adjust, and watch the sky as much as possible—you might catch a Venus-Jupiter duo too!

In short: Tonight’s Perseids may be a bit moon-dimmed, but still worth heading out for. With some comfort, a dark horizon in NWKS, and a touch of patience, you’ll likely catch a few thrillers zipping across the heavens. (Plus that bonus planetary sighting? That’s just cosmic icing on the cake.)

Happy stargazing!