Perseid Meteor Shower Reaches Its Peak: Can It Be Observed from Turkey?

One of the most impressive meteor showers of the year, the Perseid meteor shower, will reach its peak on the night of 12-13 August. This year's new moon phase will provide especially favorable conditions for observation, as the moon's light will not illuminate the sky.The Perseid meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the region of space containing the debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet. NASA describes the Perseid meteor shower as one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, and notes that the peak on 12-13 August coincides with the new moon phase, making for ideal observation conditions.The Perseid meteor shower can be observed from Turkey. According to TÜBİTAK's 2026 Sky Events Calendar, the Perseid meteor shower will be active between 17 July and 24 August, with the most intense observation period occurring on the night of 13-14 August. The institution reports that approximately 100 meteors can be seen per hour under favorable conditions, and that the new moon phase will not negatively impact observations.TÜBİTAK is also organizing an event for observing the Perseid meteor shower from Turkey. The 28th Sky Observation Event, to be held at Emre Lake in Afyonkarahisar between 12-15 August, coincides with the meteor shower's period of maximum activity. The event area's distance from city lights and its expansive horizon make it an ideal location for meteor observation.No telescope or binoculars are needed to observe the meteor shower. For the best results, it is recommended to choose a location that is as far as possible from city lights and as dark as possible.